Washington’s starting quarterback, Jayden Daniels, was spotted on the practice field at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as the franchise continues to manage his recovery from a dislocated left elbow. The injury, which occurred in the second week of the season during a collision with the Dallas Cowboys, has kept Daniels sidelined, but the team has already traveled to London in preparation for Sunday’s clash against the Indianapolis Colts. Daniels, the former No. 2 overall draft pick, missed the previous week’s victory over the Seattle Seahawks, a game in which veteran backup Marcus Mariota stepped in and guided the Commanders to a 33-31 upset over the defending Super Bowl champions.
While Mariota’s performance—completing 19 of 31 passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns—earned the win, all eyes remain on Daniels and his health status heading into the international contest. During a light jog-through on Wednesday, Daniels wore a protective brace on his elbow, a visual cue that the team is taking a cautious approach. Head coach Dan Quinn emphasized that there will be no rush to return the young quarterback to action before he is truly ready.
"We won’t put him out there before he’s ready. That’s why it’s important to trust the process. But seeing him back on the field is a positive step for us," Quinn told reporters. Quinn was careful to note that it is "too early to call" whether Daniels will be cleared for Sunday’s game, which kicks off the three‑game series the NFL has scheduled in London over the next month.
"As we get into Thursday and Friday, we’ll see what that load looks like. By Friday we’ll have a definite determination of where we’re at. Until then, we’ll keep working and start the process, but it would be too early to call," the coach explained. The Colts arrive in London after a narrow 19-17 win over the Houston Texans and will be on the field two days later than the Commanders.
Both teams will have to adjust to the travel, time‑zone shift, and unique stadium environment, factors that coach Quinn says are less important than maintaining the routine the squad is accustomed to. "This is my first game as a coach in England and I’m pumped to be here," Quinn said. "People often ask what’s different about international games—travel, customs, the venue.
What I want to emphasize is what stays the same: our anchors for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday preparation. The quicker we get back to that routine, the less we focus on the differences." Daniels’ elbow injury is not his first setback of this nature. He first suffered a similar dislocation in Week Nine of the previous season and re‑injured the same joint 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 is always strong to return to play," Quinn remarked. "Any athlete would tell you that when you go through a setback a second time, you have a clearer picture of the road ahead. He knows the process, the mobility work, the strength work—there’s a known entity of when you’re truly ready." The upcoming London game will be the 43rd regular‑season NFL contest held in the United Kingdom since the league first ventured across the Atlantic in 2007.
While the setting is unique, the Commanders are treating it as an extension of their regular preparation schedule, arriving early to acclimate and lock in their routines. The organization hopes that an early start will give Daniels the best possible chance to be cleared, should his elbow respond well to the ongoing rehabilitation.
For fans following the story, the broader context of the NFL’s international expansion adds excitement. The league’s commitment to staging multiple games in London this season reflects a strategic push to grow the sport’s global footprint. As the Commanders and Colts prepare to compete under the bright lights of Tottenham, they will also be ambassadors for American football, showcasing the sport to a passionate overseas audience.
If Daniels does manage to suit up on Sunday, it would mark a significant milestone in his recovery timeline and provide a boost to Washington’s offensive prospects against a Colts unit that has shown resilience in recent weeks. Even if he remains sidelined, the experience of traveling and practicing in a foreign environment will be valuable for the young quarterback’s development. Regardless of the outcome, the game promises to deliver a compelling narrative: a rising star battling back from injury, a veteran stepping up in his stead, and a coaching staff navigating the logistical challenges of an international matchup.
The Commanders’ preparation, the players’ perseverance, and the unique atmosphere of a London stadium all combine to make this contest a noteworthy chapter in the 2024 NFL season. Fans can catch the action live on Sky Sports, which will broadcast every minute of the game, the ensuing playoffs, and the Super Bowl LXI slated for February 14, 2027. Sky Sports also offers flexible streaming options, including a no‑contract plan through NOW, ensuring viewers can follow the Commanders’ journey from Washington to London and beyond.