Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was spotted on the practice field in London as he continues to rehabilitate an elbow injury while the NFL stages another series of games across the Atlantic. Daniels suffered a dislocated left elbow during the Week Two showdown with the Dallas Cowboys, but he traveled with the squad to England ahead of Sunday’s contest against the Indianapolis Colts at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The former No.
2 overall draft pick missed the previous weekend’s triumph over the Seattle Seahawks, a game in which veteran Marcus Mariota stepped in at quarterback and guided Washington to a stunning 33-31 victory over the defending Super Bowl champions. On Wednesday, Daniels was observed completing a light jog while wearing a protective brace, a visual cue that the team is easing him back into activity. Head coach Dan Quinn emphasized that there will be no rush to return the young quarterback to full competition.
"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 the media.
He added that it is "too early to call" whether Daniels will be cleared for Sunday’s game, which kicks off the trio of NFL fixtures slated for London over the next month. "As we move into Thursday and Friday, we’ll assess the workload and see how he’s responding," Quinn explained. "By Friday we should have a definitive answer on his status.
Until then we’ll continue the rehab regimen, but it would be premature to make any promises." In the meantime, Mariota completed 19 of 31 passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns, steering Washington to a 33-31 win over Seattle in Week Three. The Colts, who are coming off a 19-17 victory over the Houston Texans, will arrive in London two days later than the Commanders, giving both teams ample time to acclimate to the time zone and the unique atmosphere of an overseas contest.
Daniels’ elbow troubles are not new. He first endured a similar injury in Week Nine of the previous season, only to re‑aggravate 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 setbacks, which interrupted the momentum he had built after an impressive rookie year that earned him the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
"His drive to get back on the field is always strong," Quinn remarked. "Any athlete who has to go through the rehab process a second time knows what the road looks like. He’s familiar with the steps, the mobility work, the strength training – there’s a clear roadmap to knowing when he’s truly ready." Sunday’s matchup will mark the 43rd regular‑season NFL game to be played in the United Kingdom since the league’s inaugural overseas contest in 2007, but it will be a first for Quinn as a head coach.
"This is my first game as a coach in England and I’m pumped to be here," the Commanders’ leader said. He noted that while many focus on the logistical differences of international games—travel, customs, venue—he prefers to highlight the continuity in preparation.
"People often ask what’s different about playing abroad. Sure, there’s travel and a new stadium, but the core of our routine—what a Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday look like in terms of preparation—remains the same. That’s why we arrive early: to get back into our normal process. The quicker we settle into that, the less we have to worry about the differences," Quinn added.
The stakes for Daniels are high. If he is cleared, he could provide a significant boost to Washington’s offense, which has leaned heavily on Mariota’s veteran poise in his absence. However, the coaching staff is cautious, balancing the desire to have their starter available with the long‑term health of the player.
The medical team will continue to monitor his elbow’s stability, range of motion, and pain levels throughout the next few days. Beyond the immediate game, Daniels’ situation underscores a broader narrative about the challenges young quarterbacks face when dealing with injuries early in their careers.
The modern NFL places immense physical demands on signal‑callers, and repeated setbacks can test a player’s resilience, both mentally and physically. Daniels’ prior experience with rehab, coupled with the support of a seasoned coaching staff, positions him to navigate this hurdle effectively—provided his body responds positively. Fans traveling to London can expect a vibrant atmosphere at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which has become a favored venue for NFL games due to its modern facilities and enthusiastic crowds.
The Commanders will likely aim to capitalize on the home‑field advantage that comes from being the first team to arrive, allowing them extra practice time on the field. In summary, while Jayden Daniels has made visible progress in his recovery, the final decision on his participation in the London game will hinge on his health assessments over the next few days. Coach Quinn’s measured approach reflects a commitment to player safety and long‑term success, even as the team eyes a crucial victory against a competitive Colts squad.
Whether Daniels takes the field or continues his rehab will be a key storyline as the NFL’s international series unfolds, offering fans a glimpse into the evolving dynamics of the league’s global expansion.