Commanders fall to Dallas, 37–20, as Daniels exits with elbow injury

NSMT NewsroomSource date · 2026-09-20

Washington drops to 0–2 after a costly finish to the first half and four touchdown passes from Dak Prescott.

ARLINGTON, Texas | September 20, 2026

Washington reached the Dallas 1-yard line with a chance to tie the game before halftime. It left that possession without points and without Jayden Daniels for the rest of the afternoon.

Daniels injured his left elbow on the final play of the first half Sunday, and the Commanders fell 37–20 to the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Washington is 0–2 after consecutive division losses to open the season. Dallas improved to 1–1.

The quarterback’s departure changed the task facing Washington. Daniels had completed 11 of 17 passes for 96 yards and a touchdown while adding 69 yards on seven carries. Marcus Mariota took over after halftime with the Commanders trailing 17–10.

Washington stayed within reach early in the third quarter. A 47-yard field goal cut the deficit to four after a potential Dyami Brown touchdown was ruled incomplete, with the decision upheld on review.

Dallas then pulled away. After a field goal restored its seven-point lead, the Cowboys recovered a Brown fumble deep in Washington territory. Dak Prescott found Jake Ferguson for a 12-yard touchdown two plays later, making it 27–13.

Prescott finished 26-for-31 for 279 yards and four touchdowns. CeeDee Lamb caught eight passes for 153 yards and two scores; Ferguson also caught two touchdown passes. Prescott’s final scoring throw moved him past Tony Romo for the franchise career record.

Stefon Diggs scored both Washington touchdowns, first on a four-yard pass from Daniels and later on a 20-yard throw from Mariota. The second brought the Commanders within 30–20, but Dallas answered with another Lamb touchdown.

Washington outgained the Cowboys 389–332 and rushed for 182 yards. Those totals could not overcome the missed opportunity at the goal line and the turnover that helped Dallas take control after halftime. The loss leaves Washington searching for its first victory while awaiting further word on Daniels.