Washington's starting quarterback, Jayden Daniels, was spotted on the practice field at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this week as the Commanders continue to manage his recovery from a dislocated left elbow. The injury, which occurred during the Week Two loss to the Dallas Cowboys, has kept Daniels sidelined, but the team has already flown to London ahead of their upcoming clash with the Indianapolis Colts. Daniels, the former No.
2 overall draft pick, missed the previous weekend's thrilling 33-31 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. In his absence, veteran Marcus Mariota stepped in and guided Washington to an upset win over the defending Super Bowl champions, completing 19 of 31 passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns.
During a light jog on Wednesday, Daniels was seen wearing an elbow brace, a visual cue that his rehabilitation is progressing, though head coach Dan Quinn stressed that there is no rush to return him to game action. "We won't put him out there before he's ready. That's why it's important to trust the process," Quinn told reporters. "Seeing him back on the field is a positive sign, but we’ll make a final decision as we get closer to Sunday." Quinn added that the coaching staff would have a definitive answer by Friday after evaluating Daniels' workload on Thursday and Friday.
"It’s too early to call right now," he said. "By Friday we’ll know where we stand.
Until then we’ll keep working and follow the recovery protocol." The Colts are coming off a narrow 19-17 win over the Houston Texans and will arrive in London two days after the Commanders. This will be the first of three NFL games scheduled in the United Kingdom over the next month, marking the 43rd regular‑season contest the league has held on British soil since 2007.
Daniels' elbow troubles are not new. He suffered a similar dislocation in Week Nine of the previous season, only to re‑injure the joint five weeks later, causing him to miss the final four games of that campaign. That same year he also dealt with knee and hamstring issues, which disrupted the momentum built after an impressive rookie season that earned him the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
Quinn praised Daniels' determination, noting that the quarterback is intimately familiar with the rehab process after going through it once before. "His drive to get back on the field is always strong," Quinn said. "When you face the same setback a second time you know the road ahead.
He understands the milestones of mobility and strength, and he knows when he’s truly ready." Beyond the medical updates, the trip to London offers a fresh experience for the coaching staff. Quinn admitted this will be his first game as a head coach on English soil. "I’m pumped to be here," he said. "People often ask what’s different about international games—travel, customs, the venue.
What I emphasize to the team is that the fundamentals remain the same. Our Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday routines don’t change. That’s why we arrive early: to get back into our normal preparation rhythm and minimize distractions." The Commanders will have a chance to test their depth at quarterback while hoping Daniels can return sooner rather than later.
If he does suit up, his presence could provide a significant boost to Washington’s offensive scheme against a Colts defense that has shown resilience in recent weeks. If not, Mariota will likely continue to lead the unit, offering a veteran perspective that has already proven effective.
Fans watching from across the Atlantic can follow the action live on Sky Sports, which will broadcast every minute of the 2026 NFL season, including the playoffs and the upcoming Super Bowl LXI slated for February 14, 2027. Sky also offers flexible streaming options through NOW, allowing viewers to watch without a long‑term contract. The London game promises to be a showcase of the league’s growing global appeal, and whether Daniels takes the field or not, the Commanders will be looking to build momentum as they head deeper into the season.