Washington’s promising young quarterback, Jayden Daniels, was spotted on the practice fields at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this week, a clear sign that his rehabilitation from a dislocated elbow is progressing as the NFL continues its UK excursion. The injury, which occurred during the Week Two clash with the Dallas Cowboys, left Daniels with a left elbow that was knocked out of place, forcing him to miss subsequent action. Despite the setback, the Commanders have brought him across the Atlantic to join the squad ahead of Sunday’s highly anticipated encounter with the Indianapolis Colts. Daniels, who was the No.
2 overall pick in the most recent draft, did not take the field in the Commanders’ recent victory over the Seattle Seahawks. In his absence, veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota stepped in and guided Washington to a dramatic 33‑31 win, handing the defending Super Bowl champions a surprising defeat. While Mariota’s performance was commendable—completing 19 of 31 attempts for 183 yards and three touchdowns—coaches and fans alike are eager to see Daniels return to the helm.
On Wednesday, Daniels participated in a light‑intensity jog while wearing a supportive brace. Head coach Dan Quinn emphasized that there will be no rush to thrust the youngster back into a full‑scale game environment.
“We won’t put him out there before he’s ready,” Quinn told the media. “That’s why it’s important to trust the process.
Seeing him back on the field, even in a limited capacity, is a positive step for us.” Quinn was careful to note that it remains "too early to call" whether Daniels will be cleared for Sunday’s contest, which kicks off the three‑game London series slated for the next month. He added, “As we get into Thursday and Friday, we’ll see what the workload looks like.
By Friday we should have a definitive answer on his status. Until then, we’ll keep working and start the preparation process, but it’s premature to make any guarantees.” The Colts, meanwhile, arrive in London fresh off a narrow 19‑17 triumph over the Houston Texans. Their head coach, Shane Steichen, expects his team to land two days later than the Commanders, giving Washington a slight edge in terms of acclimating to the venue and time zone. Daniels’ elbow woes are not new.
He suffered a similar dislocation in Week Nine of the previous season, only to re‑injure the same joint five weeks later, causing him to miss the final quartet of games that year. That season was also marred by knee and hamstring troubles, which interrupted what had been an outstanding rookie campaign that culminated in him being named Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Coach Quinn reflected on the quarterback’s resilience, stating, “His drive to get back on the field is always strong. Any athlete will tell you that when you face the same obstacle a second time, you have a clearer picture of the road ahead.
He knows the rehab process, the mobility work, the strength training—he understands the signs that indicate he’s truly ready.” This upcoming matchup will mark the 43rd regular‑season NFL game played in the United Kingdom since the league’s inaugural foray in 2007, but it will be a first for Quinn as a head coach. “This is my first game as a coach in England and I’m pumped to be here,” he said. Quinn went on to explain that while travel, customs, and a different stadium are obvious variables, the team’s routine remains unchanged. “People often ask what’s different about international games—travel, customs, the venue.
What I emphasize to the team is that the fundamentals stay the same: our Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday preparations. That’s why we arrive early—to get back into our normal process. The quicker we settle into that rhythm, the less we have to worry about the differences.” If Daniels is cleared to start, Washington will likely lean on his dual‑threat capabilities—his ability to make precise throws downfield and his athleticism to extend plays with his legs. Throughout his college tenure at Arizona State and his early NFL outings, Daniels has demonstrated a knack for reading defenses, adjusting protections at the line of scrimmage, and delivering accurate passes under pressure.
His return would also restore a youthful spark to a Commanders offense that has been leaning heavily on Mariota’s experience. Even if he remains sidelined for Sunday, Daniels’ presence in London serves a strategic purpose. By joining the team early, he can absorb the game‑plan, build chemistry with his receivers, and continue his rehab under the watchful eyes of the medical staff while acclimating to the overseas environment.
This approach aligns with modern NFL philosophies that prioritize gradual reintegration over hasty returns, minimizing the risk of re‑injury. Fans watching from home can tune in to the live broadcast on Sky Sports, which will also carry the entire 2026 NFL season, including playoffs and Super Bowl LXI slated for February 14, 2027.
For those without a traditional cable subscription, streaming options are available through NOW with flexible, contract‑free packages. Whether Daniels takes the snap on Sunday or continues his recovery, the London game promises to be a compelling chapter in the NFL’s expanding global narrative, showcasing the league’s commitment to bringing top‑tier football to new audiences while navigating the challenges of player health and international logistics.