Washington’s young signal‑caller Jayden Daniels was spotted on the practice field at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this week as the Commanders continue to manage his recovery from a dislocated elbow. The injury, which occurred during the Week 2 clash with the Dallas Cowboys, has kept Daniels sidelined, but the team has already flown to London in preparation for Sunday’s showdown against the Indianapolis Colts.
Daniels, the former No. 2 overall draft pick, missed the Commanders’ Week 3 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, a game in which veteran Marcus Mariota stepped in and guided Washington to a dramatic 33‑31 win over the defending Super Bowl champions. While Mariota threw for 183 yards and three touchdowns on 19‑of‑31 passing, the coaching staff has been eager to see Daniels back on the field, even if only in a light‑hearted drill.
On Wednesday, Daniels was observed taking a gentle jog while wearing a protective brace. Head coach Dan Quinn made it clear that the franchise will not rush the quarterback’s return. "We won’t put him out there before he’s ready. That’s why it’s important to trust the process.
But seeing him back on the field is a positive step for us," Quinn told the media. Quinn added that it is still "too early to call" whether Daniels will be cleared for Sunday’s game, the first of three NFL contests scheduled in London over the next month. "As we get into Thursday and Friday, we’ll see what that load looks like. By Friday we’ll have a definite determination of where we’re at.
Until then, we’ll keep working and start the process, but it would be too early to call," the coach explained. The Colts, meanwhile, come into the London meeting after a narrow 19‑17 win over the Houston Texans.
Indianapolis will arrive in the UK two days later than Washington, giving the Commanders a slight head‑start in practice time. Daniels’ elbow trouble is not new.
He first suffered a dislocation in Week 9 of the 2023 season, only to re‑injure the same joint five weeks later, causing him to miss the final four games of that campaign. That season was also marred by knee and hamstring setbacks, which disrupted what had been an impressive rookie year that culminated in him being named Offensive Rookie of the Year. Quinn praised the quarterback’s determination: "His drive is always strong to return to play. Any athlete would probably tell you when you’re going through something a second time there’s a known entity of what the road looks like.
We all feel that way. He knows what that process looks like, the mobility and the strength needed, and there’s a clear sign when he’s ready." This upcoming contest will be the 43rd regular‑season NFL game staged in the United Kingdom since the league’s first foray in 2007, but it will also be a personal milestone for Quinn. "This is my first game as a coach in England and I’m pumped to be here," he said.
Quinn noted that while many focus on the logistics of international travel—customs, time‑zone changes, and a different venue—the core of the team’s preparation remains unchanged. "People often ask what’s different about international games. You could say travel or customs or the venue, but what I want to emphasize are the things that stay the same—our Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday routines. That’s why we come early, to get back into that process quickly and focus less on the differences." If Daniels is cleared, his presence could provide a significant boost to Washington’s offensive scheme, which has relied heavily on Mariota’s veteran poise over the past week.
Daniels brings a dual‑threat skill set, combining a strong arm with notable mobility, attributes that could challenge the Colts’ defense, especially in a neutral‑site environment where crowd noise and unfamiliar field conditions can affect both sides. Should the medical staff decide to hold him out, the Commanders will likely continue to lean on Mariota, who has already demonstrated his ability to manage the offense effectively.
However, the coaching staff remains optimistic that Daniels will at least be able to participate in practice drills on Sunday, giving him a chance to acclimate to the London atmosphere and assess his readiness for future games. Fans watching from home can tune in to the 2026 NFL season on Sky Sports, which will broadcast every regular‑season game, the playoffs, and the Super Bowl LXI slated for February 14, 2027. Sky Sports also offers streaming options through NOW with flexible contracts for those who prefer to watch online.
In summary, while the exact status of Jayden Daniels for the London matchup remains undecided, the Commanders are approaching the game with a clear plan: prioritize player health, maintain consistent preparation routines, and embrace the unique experience of playing on an international stage. Whether Daniels takes a snap or continues his rehab, Washington will aim to build on its recent success and keep the momentum rolling as the season progresses.