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 the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The matchup will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed the decision on Friday following a practice session held at the Commanders’ hotel outside the city. Quinn explained that Daniels, who suffered a dislocated elbow during Week Two’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys, has been cleared to practice but will remain out of the upcoming game as a precaution.
"[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 praised Daniels’ return to the practice field, calling it "a huge positive step for him and for us." He added that the coaching staff will reassess the quarterback’s status next week after a full week of practice sessions, at which point a decision about his availability will be made. Mariota entered the spotlight last week, delivering three touchdown passes in the Commanders’ 33‑31 victory over the defending champion Seattle Seahawks. The performance gave the team confidence heading into the international contest and reinforced the belief that Mariota can effectively manage the offense when called upon.
The elbow injury marks the second dislocation Daniels has endured in as many seasons. He missed the majority of the second half of the previous campaign after a similar setback. Despite the recurrence, Daniels remained optimistic on Thursday, stating that he was mentally preparing to start against Indianapolis and that the brace he wears would protect the joint.
"That’s what the brace is for," Daniels remarked. The Commanders will host the New York Giants on Sunday, October 11, before enjoying a bye in Week Seven.
Quinn emphasized the importance of practice for a quarterback’s recovery, noting that Daniels’ ability to participate in drills was a significant milestone. "Certainly, anytime you can practice, that’s a big deal," Quinn said.
"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 would allow Daniels to return to game action, Quinn explained that it hinges on a comprehensive medical evaluation and consistent practice participation throughout the next week. "It’s really just like an entire group medical performance," Quinn answered.
"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." In the pre‑game coverage on Inside The Huddle, analysts Neil Reynolds and Phoebe Schecter discussed the implications of the Commanders’ win in Week Three and the confidence it brings to the squad, especially with Mariota under center. "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," Schecter said. The Colts, meanwhile, are still missing wide receiver Alec Pierce and are waiting for quarterback Daniel Jones to regain the rhythm he displayed last season. Schecter noted that the lack of a dynamic running game has forced Jones into uncomfortable situations, as the team leans heavily on running back Jonathan Taylor and limited receiving options such as Josh Downs and tight end Tyler Warren.
"They’re not the same without an explosive running game," Schecter explained. "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." Schecter added that the Commanders’ defense will likely focus on shutting down the interior of the Colts’ offense, forcing Jones to look to the perimeter and less experienced receivers. "Other than that you got Laquon Treadwell, Keenan Allen.
I mean 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 put you under pressure.’" Schecter said. Both analysts agreed that the game could turn into a high‑scoring affair, but they each placed their bets on Washington. "It should be a high‑scoring game but I’m going to go with the Commanders," Schecter concluded. Reynolds highlighted the significance of Jonathan Taylor’s role, predicting that the Colts will rely heavily on the veteran back to generate offense.
"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," Reynolds said.
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