Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota is slated to make his second career start on Sunday, stepping in for the injured 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, offering fans a chance to watch the Commanders’ offense under new leadership. Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed the decision on Friday after a practice session held at the team’s hotel outside the capital. Quinn explained that while Daniels has returned to the practice field, the coaching staff has elected to keep him out of the upcoming game to ensure his elbow fully recovers.
Daniels suffered a dislocated elbow during the second‑week loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Since the injury, he has been wearing a protective brace and has reported feeling fine, but the medical staff and Quinn feel an additional week of rest is prudent.
"[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’ return to practice as "a huge positive step for him and for us," noting that the coaching staff will reassess the quarterback’s status after a full week of practice next week.
"We'll assess where we are next week when we get to a full week of practice all the way through," he added. Mariota’s recent performance has given the Commanders confidence heading into the international fixture. In the previous game, he threw three touchdown passes in a thrilling 33‑31 victory over the defending champion Seattle Seahawks, showcasing his ability to command the offense and make critical throws under pressure.
The elbow injury marks the second dislocation Daniels has endured in as many seasons. He missed the latter half of last year after a similar setback, raising concerns about his long‑term durability.
Despite the recurrence, Daniels remained mentally prepared for the Colts game, stating on Thursday that he was not worried about re‑injuring the joint. "That's what the brace is for," he remarked. The Commanders will host the New York Giants the following Sunday, October 11, and enjoy a bye week in Week Seven, giving the coaching staff additional time to evaluate Daniels’ health.
Quinn emphasized the importance of practice for a quarterback’s recovery. "Certainly, anytime you can practice, that's a big deal," he said.
"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 the decision hinges on a comprehensive medical evaluation. "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. In the lead‑up to the London clash, Sky Sports’ Inside The Huddle program featured analysts Neil Reynolds and Phoebe Schecter discussing the matchup. Both commentators highlighted the significance of the Commanders’ recent win and the confidence it brings, especially with Mariota under center.
Schecter noted, "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 dealing with their own offensive challenges. Wide receiver Alec Pierce remains sidelined, and quarterback Daniel Jones is still working to recapture the speed and rhythm he displayed last season. Schecter pointed out that the Colts lack a true explosive running threat, relying heavily on Jonathan Taylor.
"They're not the same without an explosive running game," she 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." Schecter added that the Commanders’ defense will likely focus on shutting down the interior of the Colts’ offense, forcing Jones to look to his less‑tested receivers on the outside. "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.'" She believes the game could become high‑scoring but leans toward a Commanders victory. Reynolds echoed that sentiment, emphasizing Jonathan Taylor’s role. "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," he said.
Overall, the London showdown promises to be a compelling test for both squads. The Commanders will rely on Mariota’s poise and the momentum generated by their recent win, while the Colts will look to lean on Taylor’s ground game to compensate for their passing deficiencies. Fans can tune in to Sky Sports for live coverage of the 2026 NFL season, including all playoff action and Super Bowl LXI scheduled for February 14, 2027. For those seeking flexible viewing options, Sky Sports offers streaming through NOW with no contract required.