Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was spotted on the practice field at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London as he continues to heal from a dislocated left elbow, an injury he suffered in Week Two against the Dallas Cowboys. The team traveled to the United Kingdom ahead of their upcoming Sunday clash with the Indianapolis Colts, marking the first of three NFL games scheduled in London over the next month.
Daniels, the former No. 2 overall draft pick, missed the Commanders' recent victory over the Seattle Seahawks, where veteran backup Marcus Mariota stepped in and guided Washington to a 33-31 upset over the defending Super Bowl champions. During a light jog on Wednesday, Daniels wore a protective brace, and head coach Dan Quinn emphasized that the organization would not rush his return to full competition. "We won't put him out there before he's ready.
That's why it's important to trust the process. But him being back on the field, that's a good step for us," Quinn told reporters.
Quinn added that it was still "too early to call" whether Daniels would be cleared for Sunday’s game. He explained that the coaching staff would assess the quarterback’s workload on Thursday and Friday, with a definitive decision expected by Friday.
"As we get into Thursday and Friday, we'll see what that load looks like," Quinn said. "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." In Mariota’s stead, the veteran completed 19 of 31 passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns, delivering a narrow win over Seattle in Week Three.
Meanwhile, the Colts entered London after a 19-17 victory over the Houston Texans and will arrive two days later than the Commanders. Daniels’ elbow injury is not his first setback of this nature. He suffered the same dislocation in Week Nine of the previous season, only to re‑injure the joint five weeks later, causing him to miss the final four games of that campaign.
That same season was also marred by knee and hamstring troubles, which interrupted the momentum he had built after an impressive rookie year that earned him the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. "His drive is always strong to return to play," Quinn remarked. "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.
We all feel that way. He does know what that process looks like and the mobility and the strength.
There's a known entity of when you're 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. It will also be a personal milestone for Dan Quinn, who noted that this will be his first 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 said. Quinn highlighted that while travel, customs, and the venue are often discussed as unique challenges of international games, 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 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. And so that's a lot of the reason for coming early, so we can get back into that process.
The quicker we get to that, the less focus on what's different." If Daniels is cleared to play, his presence could provide a significant boost to Washington’s offense, which has relied heavily on Mariota’s experience in his absence. Daniels is known for his dual‑threat capabilities, combining a strong arm with the ability to extend plays with his legs. His return would also allow the Commanders to revert to their original game plan, which emphasizes a balanced attack featuring both the passing and rushing games.
However, if the medical staff determines that his elbow has not healed sufficiently, the team will likely continue to lean on Mariota’s veteran poise while gradually increasing Daniels’ participation in practice drills. The Colts, on the other hand, will be looking to capitalize on any uncertainty surrounding the Commanders’ quarterback situation. Indianapolis’ head coach Shane Steichen has praised his offense’s adaptability and will likely devise a game plan that tests Washington’s secondary, regardless of who is under center.
The Colts’ recent win over the Texans showcased a resilient defense and a methodical offensive approach, suggesting they are well‑prepared for the unique conditions of an overseas game. Both teams will also have to manage the logistical challenges of playing abroad, such as adjusting to a different time zone, coping with travel fatigue, and adapting to the stadium’s playing surface. The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium features a hybrid grass system that can affect footing and traction, factors that both coaching staffs will monitor closely during practice sessions.
Fans in London can look forward to a high‑stakes contest that pits a rising star quarterback against a seasoned veteran, set against the backdrop of one of Europe’s most iconic sports venues. The game will be broadcast globally, with Sky Sports promising comprehensive coverage of the 2026 NFL season, including live streams of all playoff games and the Super Bowl scheduled for February 14, 2027.
For viewers seeking flexible viewing options, Sky Sports also offers a no‑contract streaming service through NOW, ensuring that supporters can catch every moment of the action regardless of their location. In summary, while the final decision on Jayden Daniels’ availability will not be confirmed until Friday, the Commanders are approaching the London game with a clear focus on preparation, health, and maintaining the consistency of their routine.
Whether Daniels returns to the field or continues his recovery, Washington will aim to build on its recent success and secure a vital win against the Colts in what promises to be a memorable international showcase of NFL talent.