Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was spotted on the practice field at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London as he continues to heal from a dislocated elbow, just as the NFL resumes its series of games in the United Kingdom. Daniels suffered a left‑elbow dislocation in the Week Two clash with the Dallas Cowboys. Despite the injury, he traveled with the team to England ahead of Sunday’s encounter with the Indianapolis Colts.
The young signal‑caller, who was the No. 2 overall pick in the most recent draft, missed the previous weekend’s win over the Seattle Seahawks.
In his absence, veteran Marcus Mariota stepped in and guided Washington to a 33-31 upset over the defending Super Bowl champions. On Wednesday, Daniels performed a light jog while wearing a protective brace. Head coach Dan Quinn made it clear that the organization would not rush the quarterback back onto the field.
"We won’t put him out there before he’s ready. That’s why it’s important to trust the process.
Seeing him back on the field is a positive sign for us," Quinn told the media. Quinn added that it was still "too early to call" whether Daniels would be cleared for Sunday’s game, which kicks off the three‑game London series scheduled over the next month. "As we get into Thursday and Friday, we’ll see what that load looks like.
By Friday we’ll have a definitive answer on his status. Until then we’ll keep working and start the process, but it’s premature to make a decision," the coach explained.
In the Seahawks game, Mariota completed 19 of 31 passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns, earning the win for Washington in Week Three. The Colts, meanwhile, entered the trip after a narrow 19-17 victory over the Houston Texans. Indianapolis will arrive in London two days later than the Commanders, giving them a slightly different preparation timeline.
Daniels’ elbow problem is not new. He first dislocated the same joint in Week Nine of the previous season, only to re‑injure it 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 what had begun as an impressive rookie year that culminated in him being named Offensive Rookie of the Year.
"His drive to get back on the field is always strong," Quinn said. "Any athlete who goes through a repeat injury knows what the road looks like.
He understands the rehab process, the mobility work, the strength rebuilding – there’s a clear picture of when he’ll be ready." Sunday’s matchup will be the 43rd regular‑season NFL game played in the United Kingdom since the league first ventured across the Atlantic in 2007. It also marks a personal milestone for Quinn, who noted, "This is my first game as a coach in England and I’m pumped to be here." Quinn emphasized that while fans and commentators often focus on the logistical differences of international games—travel, customs, unfamiliar venues—the core of the team’s preparation remains unchanged. "What stays the same are our anchors: what a Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday look like in terms of practice, film study, and recovery.
That’s why we come early: to get back into our routine. The quicker we settle into that, the less we have to worry about the differences," he said. If Daniels is cleared, his presence could provide a significant boost to the Commanders’ offense, which has leaned heavily on Mariota’s veteran poise over the past two weeks.
Daniels’ dual‑threat skill set—his ability to extend plays with his legs and deliver accurate throws downfield—offers a dynamic element that could challenge the Colts’ defense, which has struggled at times to contain mobile quarterbacks. Even if he remains sidelined for the London game, Daniels will continue to work closely with the coaching staff and medical team. The quarterback’s rehab regimen includes daily mobility drills, strength conditioning, and a gradual reintroduction to throwing mechanics.
The brace he wore during the light jog is part of a broader strategy to protect the elbow while allowing enough movement to rebuild confidence. The Commanders’ medical staff has been cautiously optimistic. They have monitored Daniels’ progress through a combination of imaging studies, physical assessments, and functional testing. According to the team’s orthopedic specialist, the elbow joint has shown promising signs of healing, but full stability and range of motion are still being evaluated.
Fans traveling to London can expect a vibrant atmosphere at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which has become a favored venue for NFL International Series games due to its modern facilities and enthusiastic crowds. The stadium’s capacity of over 62,000 ensures a lively backdrop for what promises to be a tightly contested matchup. Regardless of the final decision on Daniels’ availability, the Commanders will approach the game with the same level of preparation they have displayed throughout the season.
The coaching staff will continue to emphasize fundamentals—clean snaps, disciplined route running, and solid defensive assignments—while also adapting to the unique challenges posed by an overseas venue. The NFL’s continued push into the UK market highlights the growing global appeal of American football. As the league expands its international footprint, players like Jayden Daniels become ambassadors of the sport, showcasing their talent to new audiences and helping to build a worldwide fan base.
In summary, while the exact status of Jayden Daniels for Sunday’s London game remains uncertain, the Commanders are committed to a careful, methodical approach to his recovery. Coach Quinn’s measured comments reflect a focus on long‑term health over short‑term gain, and the team’s preparation will continue unabated, whether Daniels takes the field or not. The upcoming contest against Indianapolis will serve as another chapter in the Commanders’ evolving season and a showcase for the NFL’s expanding international presence.