Washington’s promising quarterback Jayden Daniels was spotted on the practice field at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this week, a clear sign that his rehabilitation from a dislocated elbow is progressing as the NFL continues its expanding schedule in the United Kingdom. Daniels suffered the left‑elbow injury during the Week 2 clash with the Dallas Cowboys, a setback that forced him onto the sidelines just as the Commanders were beginning to find their rhythm.
Despite the injury, the young quarterback traveled with the team to London ahead of the upcoming contest against the Indianapolis Colts, scheduled for Sunday. The former No.
2 overall draft pick did not take part in the Commanders’ recent triumph over the Seattle Seahawks, a game in which veteran Marcus Mariota stepped in at quarterback and guided Washington to a narrow 33‑31 victory over the defending Super Bowl champions. Mariota’s performance—19 completions on 31 attempts for 183 yards and three touchdowns—underscored the depth at the position while Daniels continued his recovery regimen.
During a light‑intensity jog on Wednesday, Daniels was seen wearing a protective brace, a visual cue that the team is handling his return with caution. Head coach Dan Quinn was emphatic that the organization would not rush the quarterback back onto the field before he was fully ready. "We won’t put him out there before he’s ready. That’s why it’s important to trust the process," Quinn told reporters.
"Seeing him back on the field is a positive step, but we’ll make the final decision when the time is right." Quinn added that it was still too early to determine whether Daniels would suit up for the London game, noting that the next few days would be crucial in assessing his workload and overall health. "As we get into Thursday and Friday, we’ll see what that load looks like," the coach explained. "By Friday we’ll have a definitive answer. Until then, we’ll continue the rehab process, but it would be premature to call anything." The Colts, meanwhile, are coming off a 19‑17 victory over the Houston Texans and will arrive in London two days after the Commanders.
Both teams will be part of the NFL’s third London outing in the next month, marking the 43rd regular‑season game played on UK soil since the league first ventured across the Atlantic in 2007. Daniels’ injury history adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
He first suffered the same elbow dislocation in Week 9 of the previous season, only to re‑injure it five weeks later, causing him to miss the final four games of that campaign. That season was also marred by knee and hamstring issues, which interrupted the momentum he had built after an impressive rookie year that earned him the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
"His drive to return is always strong," Quinn said. "When you go through a rehab process a second time, you have a clearer picture of what the road looks like.
He knows the milestones for mobility and strength, and there’s a point when he’ll be ready." Quinn, who is experiencing his first coaching stint in England, expressed excitement about the unique environment while emphasizing that the fundamentals of preparation remain unchanged. "People often ask what’s different about international games—travel, customs, the venue—but the anchors of our routine—Wednesday, Thursday, Friday practices—stay the same. That’s why we arrive early, to get back into our normal process and focus less on the novelty." The decision to play Daniels will hinge on a combination of medical clearance, his ability to handle practice repetitions without pain, and the strategic considerations of the coaching staff. If he does return, it would provide Washington with a dynamic play‑maker capable of extending plays with his athleticism and making accurate throws downfield.
His presence could also alleviate some of the pressure on Mariota, allowing the veteran to manage the game while Daniels observes and learns. Should Daniels be held out, the Commanders will likely continue to rely on Mariota’s experience and poise, especially given his recent success against a top‑tier defense. However, the coaching staff will be closely monitoring the quarterback’s performance in practice sessions leading up to the game, looking for signs of confidence, arm strength, and the ability to execute the playbook under game‑speed conditions.
Regardless of the outcome, the London matchup offers a compelling storyline for fans on both sides of the Atlantic. It showcases the NFL’s commitment to growing the sport internationally while providing a platform for emerging talent like Daniels to shine on a global stage. As the clock ticks down to Sunday’s kickoff, Washington’s medical and coaching teams will make the final call, balancing the desire to have their star quarterback back with the imperative of safeguarding his long‑term health.
For viewers eager to catch the action, the game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with comprehensive coverage of the entire 2026 season—including playoffs and the Super Bowl—available through various streaming options. Whether Daniels takes the field or not, the Commanders are poised to deliver an exciting contest in front of an enthusiastic London crowd.