Washington's starting quarterback, Jayden Daniels, was spotted on the practice field at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this week as the Commanders continue to manage his recovery from a dislocated left elbow. The injury occurred during the Week Two loss to the Dallas Cowboys, and despite the setback, the team has already arrived in London ahead of their upcoming clash with the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Daniels, who entered the league as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 draft, missed the previous weekend's dramatic 33-31 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
In his absence, veteran backup Marcus Mariota stepped in and guided Washington to an upset win over the defending Super Bowl champions, completing 19 of 31 passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns. During a light jog on Wednesday, Daniels was seen wearing a supportive brace, a visual cue that his rehabilitation is progressing but still far from complete. Head coach Dan Quinn emphasized that the organization will not rush the young quarterback back onto the field before he is fully 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. "But him being back on the field, that's a good step for us." Quinn was careful to note that it remains "too early to call" whether Daniels will suit up for Sunday's game, which marks the first of three NFL contests scheduled in London over the next month. "As we get into Thursday and Friday, we'll see what that load looks like," the coach explained.
"By Friday we'll have a definite determination of where we're at. Until then, we'll work and start the process, but it would be too early to call." The Colts, meanwhile, are coming off a narrow 19-17 win against the Houston Texans and will arrive in London two days later than Washington, giving the Commanders a slight edge in terms of preparation time. Both teams will be navigating the unique challenges of playing abroad, from travel fatigue to unfamiliar locker rooms, but the Commanders appear confident that their early arrival will help smooth the transition.
Daniels' injury history adds another layer to the situation. He suffered the same elbow dislocation in Week Nine of his rookie season, only to re‑injure it five weeks later, which forced him to miss the final four games of that campaign. That same season was also marred by knee and hamstring issues that limited his availability and disrupted the momentum he had built after a spectacular debut that earned him Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. "His drive is always strong to return to play," Quinn said, acknowledging the mental and physical hurdles that accompany a repeat injury.
"Any athlete would probably tell you when you're going through something a second time there's a known entity of what the road looks like. He does know what that process looks like and the mobility and the strength.
There's a known entity of when you're ready." Sunday's 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 also represents a personal milestone: "This is my first game as a coach in England and I'm pumped to be here," he said. He highlighted that while fans often focus on the novelty of international travel, customs and stadium differences, the core of the team's preparation remains unchanged. "People often ask me or the team, what's different about international games and you say travel or customs or the venue?
But the thing I've want to emphasise with the team the most is what's exactly the same, and those are our anchors of what a Wednesday, a Thursday, and a Friday look like in terms of our preparation to get ready. The quicker we get to that, less focus on what's different." If Daniels is cleared to play, his presence could provide a significant boost to Washington's offensive rhythm, which has been largely shouldered by Mariota in his absence. The young quarterback's mobility, strong arm, and ability to extend plays have been key components of the Commanders' game plan since he took over as starter.
Conversely, if the medical staff decides to err on the side of caution, Mariota will likely continue to lead the offense, offering veteran poise and a proven track record in high‑pressure situations. Regardless of the outcome, the London game offers a compelling storyline: a rising star battling back from injury, a seasoned veteran stepping up, and a head coach experiencing his first overseas contest. Fans watching from both sides of the Atlantic will be eager to see how the Commanders adapt to the unique environment and whether Daniels can rejoin the action in time to help Washington secure a win against the Colts.
For those interested in following the broader NFL season, Sky Sports will broadcast the 2026 campaign, including every playoff game and the Super Bowl LXI slated for February 14, 2027. Viewers can also explore flexible streaming options through NOW, which offers contracts‑free access to live NFL action.