Washington's starting quarterback, 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 left elbow. The injury occurred during the Week Two clash with the Dallas Cowboys, and despite the setback, the team has traveled to London ahead of Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts as part of the NFL’s growing presence in the United Kingdom. Daniels, who entered the league as the No.
2 overall pick in the 2023 draft, missed the previous weekend’s victory over the Seattle Seahawks. In his absence, veteran Marcus Mariota stepped in and guided Washington to a dramatic 33-31 win over the defending Super Bowl champions, completing 19 of 31 passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns. The performance underscored the depth at the quarterback position but also heightened interest in whether Daniels will be cleared to play in London.
During a light jog on Wednesday, Daniels wore a protective brace while running through drills. Head coach Dan Quinn made it clear that the team 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," Quinn explained to the media.
"Seeing him back on the field is a positive sign, but we still have to evaluate his health carefully." Quinn added that it is "too early to call" whether Daniels will suit up for Sunday’s contest, which is the first of three NFL games scheduled in London over the next month. "As we get into Thursday and Friday, we’ll see what that load looks like," he said.
"By Friday we’ll have a definitive determination. Until then we’ll keep working, but it would be premature to make a final decision." The Colts arrive in London after a narrow 19-17 victory over the Houston Texans, and they will be the second team to touch down at the venue, arriving two days later than Washington. Both clubs will have a few extra days to acclimate to the time difference and the unique logistical challenges of an overseas game, such as customs procedures and travel fatigue. Daniels’ injury history adds another layer of complexity.
He first suffered a dislocated elbow in Week Nine of his rookie season, only to re‑injure the same joint five weeks later, causing him to miss the final four games of that campaign. In addition to the elbow issues, he dealt with knee and hamstring setbacks that limited his ability to build on an impressive inaugural season that earned him the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
"His drive to return is always strong," Quinn noted. "When you go through a rehab process a second time, you know the road ahead. He understands the milestones for mobility and strength, and he knows when he’s truly ready." The London game will mark the 43rd regular‑season NFL contest held in the United Kingdom since the league first ventured overseas in 2007. For Coach Quinn, however, it is a personal first‑time experience.
"This is my first game as a coach in England and I’m pumped to be here," he said. "People often ask what’s different about international games—travel, customs, the venue—but I try to emphasize what stays the same: our routine on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Coming early helps us get back into our normal preparation, and the quicker we settle into that rhythm, the less we have to worry about the differences." If Daniels is cleared, his presence would provide a significant boost to Washington’s offense, which has already shown resilience under Mariota’s stewardship. Even if he remains sidelined, the Commanders will continue to rely on Mariota’s veteran poise while the coaching staff monitors Daniels’ progress closely.
The decision will likely hinge on a combination of medical assessments, the quarterback’s own feedback, and the practical demands of playing an overseas game with limited preparation time. Fans watching from both sides of the Atlantic can tune in to the live broadcast on Sky Sports, which will carry every minute of the 2026 NFL season, including the playoffs and the Super Bowl scheduled for February 14, 2027.
Sky Sports also offers streaming options through NOW without a contract, ensuring that supporters can follow the action regardless of location. In summary, while Jayden Daniels has taken his first steps back onto the field in London, his availability for Sunday’s matchup remains uncertain. Coach Quinn’s cautious approach reflects a commitment to player safety and long‑term performance, balancing the excitement of an international stage with the practical realities of injury recovery.
Whether Daniels will take the snap against the Colts or continue his rehab will be clarified in the next few days, but the Commanders are poised to compete fiercely in what promises to be a memorable NFL London experience.