Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota is slated to make his second career start on Sunday, stepping in for the sidelined Jayden Daniels as the team travels to England to take on the Indianapolis Colts at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The decision was confirmed by head coach Dan Quinn on Friday after a practice session held at the Commanders' hotel outside of London.
Daniels had returned to the practice field earlier in the week following a dislocated elbow he suffered in Week Two against the Dallas Cowboys. Although he has been wearing a protective brace and has indicated he feels fine and does not anticipate further injury, the coaching staff has decided to keep him out of the upcoming matchup at least through this week. "[Daniels] had a great week. It was awesome to have him back on the field in a limited fashion," Quinn said in the press conference.
"He'll be out. Marcus will start." Quinn emphasized that Daniels' ability to practice again was "a huge positive step for him and for us," noting that the team will reassess the quarterback's status once they have a full week of practice leading up to the next game. "We'll assess where we are next week when we get to a full week of practice all the way through," the coach added. Mariota entered the spotlight just a week earlier when he threw three touchdown passes in a dramatic 33‑31 victory over the defending champion Seattle Seahawks.
That performance gave the coaching staff confidence that Mariota could handle the responsibility of starting against a tough Colts defense in front of an international crowd. The elbow injury that forced Daniels out of the lineup marks the second time in as many seasons that he has suffered this particular setback. He missed a significant portion of the second half of the previous season after a similar dislocation, raising concerns about his long‑term durability.
Despite the recurrence, Daniels has remained optimistic. On Thursday, he told reporters he was mentally preparing for a possible start against Indianapolis and that the brace he is wearing should protect the joint.
"That's what the brace is for," Daniels said. Looking ahead, the Commanders will host the New York Giants on Sunday, October 11, before entering a bye week in Week Seven.
Quinn highlighted the importance of any practice time for Daniels, saying, "Certainly, anytime you can practice, that's a big deal. So for him to get back, that was a big step for us. Typical for him, he's more ready than you'd expect.
That's just kind of how he is." When asked what criteria must be met before Daniels could return to game action, Quinn explained that the decision hinges on a comprehensive medical evaluation. "It's really just like an entire group medical performance. Where he's at, the practice part was a big piece of that today.
But next week we're planning for him to get a full week of practice. That would be a big deal for us," he said. The decision to start Mariota also reflects the broader strategic considerations of the Commanders' coaching staff. With the team currently navigating a challenging schedule that includes a transatlantic trip, the coaches are looking to maintain continuity at the quarterback position while protecting the health of their young starter.
Mariota, a former Heisman Trophy winner and seasoned NFL veteran, brings a blend of experience and poise that the Commanders hope will keep the offense productive in Daniels' absence. In addition to the on‑field implications, the London game represents a significant moment for the NFL's international outreach. The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has become a regular venue for the league's International Series, offering fans in the United Kingdom a chance to see live American football. The Commanders' appearance in London is part of a broader effort to grow the sport's global footprint, and the decision to field a capable quarterback like Mariota underscores the league's desire to showcase high‑quality competition.
Fans watching from home can also look forward to comprehensive coverage of the 2026 NFL season on Sky Sports, which promises live broadcasts of every regular‑season game, the playoffs, and the Super Bowl LXI scheduled for Sunday, February 14, 2027. Sky Sports is offering a range of subscription options, including a contract‑free streaming service through NOW, ensuring that viewers have flexible ways to follow the action. Overall, the Commanders are entering a pivotal stretch of the season.
With Mariota at the helm for the London clash, the team aims to continue its recent momentum while giving Daniels the necessary time to fully recover from his elbow injury. The coaching staff's cautious approach reflects a commitment to player safety without compromising competitive edge, and the upcoming games will provide a clear indicator of how well the Commanders can adapt to the quarterback rotation. As the season progresses, the health of Jayden Daniels will remain a focal point for fans and analysts alike.
Should he complete a full week of practice without setbacks, the expectation is that he could rejoin the active roster in the weeks following the bye. Until then, Marcus Mariota will carry the responsibility of guiding the Commanders' offense on the international stage, aiming to deliver a performance that keeps Washington in contention for a playoff berth.