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 London to face the Indianapolis Colts at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, offering fans an international showcase of NFL action. Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed the lineup change on Friday following a practice session held at the Commanders' hotel outside the city.
Quinn explained that while Daniels has returned to the practice field after suffering a dislocated elbow in Week Two against the Dallas Cowboys, the coaching staff has decided to keep him out of the upcoming contest to ensure a full recovery. "[Daniels] had a great week. It was awesome to have him back on the field in a limited fashion," Quinn said. "He'll be out.
Marcus will start." Quinn emphasized that Daniels' return to practice was a "huge positive step" for both the player and the organization, but added that the team will reassess his status after a full week of practice next week. "We'll assess where we are next week when we get to a full week of practice all the way through," the coach noted. Mariota entered the spotlight last week, delivering three touchdown passes in a thrilling 33‑31 victory over the defending champion Seattle Seahawks. His performance helped the Commanders secure a crucial win and demonstrated his ability to manage the offense effectively when called upon.
The elbow injury that forced Daniels out of the lineup marks the second dislocation he has suffered in as many seasons. He missed most of the second half of the previous season after a similar setback.
Despite the recurrence, Daniels remained optimistic, stating on Thursday that he was mentally preparing to start against the Colts and that the protective brace he wears would mitigate any risk of re‑injury. "That's what the brace is for," he said. Looking ahead, the Commanders will host the New York Giants on Sunday, October 11, before enjoying a bye week in Week Seven. Quinn praised Daniels' dedication to practice, noting, "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 to return Daniels to game action, Quinn responded that it hinges on a comprehensive medical evaluation and consistent practice participation. "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 explained. In the lead‑up to the London matchup, Sky Sports' Inside The Huddle program featured analysts Neil Reynolds and Phoebe Schecter discussing both teams' recent form. Schecter highlighted the confidence boost the Commanders receive from a win and from having Mariota under center, especially as they head into an international game. "When you come off a win you get a little bit of a different schedule, but you have hope and they both really needed these wins, especially the Commanders.
The confidence that should give them, especially having Mariota at quarterback. That is exactly what we need going into these International games," she said.
Schecter also examined the Colts' offensive challenges. The Indianapolis squad is still without wide receiver Alec Pierce and is working to get quarterback Daniel Jones back to the speed he displayed last season. "They're not the same without an explosive running game," Schecter noted. "So much of that team is run through Jonathan Taylor and they're struggling to get the ball going consistently.
He has his sparks but there's nothing that's consistent. That's forcing Daniel Jones into this uncomfortable position because right now your top players are Josh Downs and tight end Tyler Warren.
That also limits where you're able to throw it on the field." She added that the Colts' secondary weapons, including Laquon Treadwell and Keenan Allen, are limited, and the Commanders' defense will aim to force the Colts to rely on less reliable receivers. "If you're this Commanders defence, you're coming into it saying: 'We're going to take away everything inside and we're going to force you to throw it outside to your lesser receiver and out you under pressure.' We've read that book before and saw it a couple of times last year when people felt they had Daniel Jones' number.
It should be a high‑scoring game but I'm going to go with the Commanders." Reynolds echoed the sentiment, predicting a dominant performance from Indianapolis running back Jonathan Taylor. "This is a game that Jonathan Taylor takes over.
They don't attack Washington through the air because they don't have the weapons so this is a big Jonathan Taylor game. He's going to touch the ball at least 30 times, so give me the Indianapolis Colts," he said. Beyond the tactical analysis, fans can look forward to a unique viewing experience.
The NFL's 2026 season, including the playoffs and Super Bowl LXI scheduled for February 14, 2027, will be streamed live on Sky Sports. Subscribers can also access the games without a contract through the NOW platform, which offers flexible streaming options. In summary, Marcus Mariota's upcoming start marks a pivotal moment for the Commanders as they navigate the challenges of an international fixture, a key injury to their projected starter, and a competitive opponent in the Colts. The game promises to showcase strategic adjustments, individual talent, and the growing global reach of American football.