Washington’s young signal‑caller Jayden Daniels was spotted on the practice field at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this week, a clear sign that the team is closely monitoring his progress as he recovers from a dislocated left elbow. The injury, which occurred during the Week 2 showdown with the Dallas Cowboys, has kept Daniels on the sidelines, but his presence in London suggests the franchise is hopeful he might be ready for the upcoming contest against the Indianapolis Colts. The elbow injury was a setback for the former No. 2 overall draft pick, who missed the victory over Seattle in Week 3 when veteran Marcus Mariota stepped in and guided the Commanders to a dramatic 33‑31 win over the defending Super Bowl champions.
Mariota’s performance—19 completions on 31 attempts for 183 yards and three touchdowns—underscored the depth at the position, but the organization’s long‑term plan still centers on Daniels as the heir apparent. During a light‑intensity jog on Wednesday, Daniels wore a protective brace, a visual cue that his rehabilitation is moving forward but remains cautious. Head coach Dan Quinn emphasized that the team will not rush the quarterback back onto the field 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," Quinn told reporters. "Seeing him back on the field, even in a limited capacity, is a positive step, but we’ll make the final call when we have a clearer picture of his health." Quinn was careful to note that it is "too early to call" whether Daniels will suit up for Sunday’s game, the first of three NFL fixtures scheduled in London over the next month.
"As we get into Thursday and Friday, we’ll see what that load looks like," he explained. "By Friday we’ll have a definitive determination. Until then we’ll keep working, but it would be premature to make any promises." The Colts arrive in London after a narrow 19‑17 victory over the Houston Texans, and they will be a day later than the Commanders in the host city. Both teams will have the advantage of extra practice time on the unfamiliar field, a factor that could influence game‑planning and player readiness.
Daniels’ injury history adds another layer of complexity. He first suffered a dislocated elbow in Week 9 of the 2023 season, only to re‑injure 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 a promising rookie year that culminated in him being named Offensive Rookie of the Year. "His drive to return is always strong," Quinn said.
"When you go through the same rehab process a second time, you have a clearer picture of what the road looks like. He knows the milestones—mobility, strength, and the overall feel of being game‑ready." The upcoming London matchup will be the 43rd regular‑season NFL game held in the United Kingdom since the league first ventured overseas in 2007.
For Quinn, however, it will be his inaugural experience coaching a game on English soil. "This is my first game as a coach in England and I’m pumped to be here," he remarked. He added that while travel, customs, and a different venue are obvious variables, the team’s focus remains on the familiar routines that define their preparation.
"What stays the same are the anchors of our Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday schedules. The quicker we get back to that routine, the less we have to worry about what’s different," Quinn explained.
If Daniels is cleared to play, it would mark a significant milestone in his recovery and could provide Washington with a dynamic offensive weapon against a Colts defense that has shown resilience in recent weeks. Even if he remains sidelined, his presence in London serves as a morale boost for the squad and a reminder that the franchise is committed to getting its young quarterback back to full strength. Fans watching from home can follow the action live on Sky Sports, which will broadcast every minute of the 2026 NFL season, including the playoffs and Super Bowl LXI scheduled for February 14, 2027. For those without a traditional cable package, streaming options are available through NOW with no contract required.
The London game promises to be a showcase of international football excitement, and whether Daniels takes the snap or watches from the sideline, the Commanders will be eager to prove they can thrive on foreign turf.