Washington's starting quarterback, Jayden Daniels, was spotted on the practice field at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as the franchise continues his rehabilitation from a dislocated left elbow. The injury, which occurred during the Week Two loss to the Dallas Cowboys, has kept Daniels out of action, but the team has already traveled to London ahead of Sunday’s contest against the Indianapolis Colts. Daniels, the former No. 2 overall draft pick, missed the previous week's thrilling 33-31 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
In his absence, veteran backup Marcus Mariota took command of the offense, completing 19 of 31 passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns, guiding Washington to an upset win over the defending Super Bowl champions. On Wednesday, Daniels participated in a light jog while wearing a protective brace. Head coach Dan Quinn emphasized that the organization will not rush the young quarterback back onto the field before he is fully ready. "We won't put him out there before he's ready.
That's why it's important to trust the process. But him being back on the field, that's a good step for us," Quinn told reporters. Quinn added that it is still "too early to call" whether Daniels will be cleared for Sunday’s game, which marks 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," he explained.
"By Friday we'll have a definite determination of where we're at. Until then, we'll work and start the process, but it would be too early to call." The Colts arrive in London after a narrow 19-17 win over the Houston Texans, and they will land two days later than the Commanders.
Both teams will have a short window to adjust to the time difference, the unique stadium atmosphere, and the logistical challenges of an overseas game. Daniels' elbow injury is not his first brush with that particular joint. He suffered a similar dislocation in Week Nine of the previous season and then re‑injured it five weeks later, causing him to miss the final four games of that campaign.
That same season was also marred by knee and hamstring setbacks, which interrupted the momentum he had built after an impressive rookie year that earned him the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Quinn praised Daniels' determination, noting that the quarterback’s familiarity with the rehab process gives him a clear roadmap for recovery. "His drive is always strong to return to play," Quinn said. "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.
He does know what that process looks like and the mobility and the strength. There's a known entity of when you're ready." Sunday's matchup will be the 43rd regular‑season NFL game held in the United Kingdom since the league first ventured overseas in 2007.
For Quinn, however, it will be a personal first: his inaugural coaching experience on English soil. "This is my first game as a coach in England and I'm pumped to be here," he remarked.
He highlighted that while travel, customs, and a different venue are obvious differences, the core of the team's preparation remains unchanged. "People often ask me or the team, what's different about international games and you say travel or customs or the venue? But the thing I want to emphasise with the team the most is what's exactly the same, and those are our anchors of what a Wednesday, a Thursday, and a Friday look like in terms of our preparation to get ready. The quicker we get to that, the less focus on what's different." The Commanders will use the early arrival to stick to their usual routine—film review, walk‑throughs, and light practice—while also allowing Daniels to gauge his elbow's response to activity.
The coaching staff plans to monitor his pain levels, range of motion, and overall comfort throughout Thursday and Friday, with a final medical assessment slated for Friday evening. If the doctors give the green light, Daniels could be listed as active for the game, though he may still be limited in his throwing volume to protect the healing joint. Beyond the immediate health concerns, Daniels' potential return carries strategic weight. Washington's offense has struggled at times without its starter, and a healthy quarterback could provide a more dynamic passing attack against Indianapolis' stout secondary.
The Colts, meanwhile, will be looking to exploit any lingering rust in the Commanders' defense, which has been forced to adjust without its primary play‑caller. Fans traveling from the United States and local supporters alike are eager for the spectacle of an NFL game in London, a market that continues to grow each year. The atmosphere at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium—known for its passionate soccer crowd and state‑of‑the‑art facilities—offers a unique backdrop for the sport's international expansion.
Regardless of whether Daniels is cleared, the Commanders will aim to execute their game plan, rely on Mariota's experience if needed, and keep the momentum from the Seattle win. The outcome of this London contest could set the tone for the rest of the season, especially as the team navigates a challenging schedule that includes several more overseas games. For viewers at home, the game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with comprehensive coverage of the 2026 NFL season, including playoffs and the Super Bowl scheduled for February 14, 2027.
Sky Sports also offers streaming options through its NOW platform, allowing fans to watch without a long‑term contract.