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 take on the Indianapolis Colts at 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 capital. 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 opted to keep him out of the upcoming game 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 praised Daniels' progress, calling his return "a huge positive step for him and for us." He added that the medical and coaching staff will reassess the quarterback's status next week once a full week of practice can be completed without restrictions. "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 comes into the London contest riding a wave of confidence after his recent performance against the Seattle Seahawks, where he threw three touchdown passes in a thrilling 33‑31 victory over the defending champions. The veteran signal‑caller will look to replicate that success against a Colts unit that has struggled offensively at times this season. Daniels' elbow injury marks the second dislocation he has endured in as many seasons, mirroring a similar setback that kept him out for the latter half of the previous year. The third‑year quarterback, who guided Washington to the NFC Championship Game during his rookie campaign, told reporters on Thursday that he is mentally preparing to start against Indianapolis and remains unconcerned about re‑injuring his elbow.
"That's what the brace is for," Daniels said, emphasizing his confidence in the protective equipment. The Commanders will host the New York Giants the following Sunday, October 11, before entering a bye week in Week Seven. Quinn highlighted the importance of Daniels' recent practice, stating, "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 before Daniels can return to game action, Quinn responded that it largely hinges on the overall medical evaluation and a full week of unrestricted practice. "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. The broadcast notes also reminded viewers to use a Chrome browser for a more accessible video player. On the weekly show "Inside The Huddle," analysts Neil Reynolds and Phoebe Schecter previewed the international showdown, noting that both teams entered the game on the back of Week Three victories. Schecter observed, "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." The Colts, meanwhile, are still missing key offensive pieces, most notably wide receiver Alec Pierce, and are waiting for quarterback Daniel Jones to regain the rhythm he displayed last season.
Schecter pointed out that Indianapolis lacks a dominant rushing attack, relying heavily on running back Jonathan Taylor, who has struggled to find consistency. "They're not the same without an explosive running game," Schecter said. "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 Commanders' defense will likely focus on shutting down the interior of the Colts' offense, forcing them to look to the sidelines 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 out you under pressure.'" Schecter continued. Both analysts agreed that the game could turn into a high‑scoring affair, but Schecter tipped the Commanders as the likely victors. Reynolds emphasized the pivotal role of Jonathan Taylor for Indianapolis, noting that the Colts' game plan will heavily revolve around his touches.
"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. Fans can watch the 2026 NFL season live on Sky Sports, which will also carry every playoff game and the Super Bowl LXI scheduled for Sunday, February 14, 2027. Viewers can explore the latest Sky Sports subscription offers or stream without a contract via the NOW platform.