Commanders star quarterback Jayden Daniels in contention for NFL London return against Colts

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels remains in contention to face the Indianapolis Colts at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday as he continues his recovery from a dislocated left elbow.

Daniels travelled to London with the Commanders and has returned to the practice field this week after missing Washington’s 33-31 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. The 25-year-old has been working with a brace on his injured arm, with head coach Dan Quinn confirming that a final decision on his availability is expected on Friday.

The Commanders face the Colts in the opening game of NFL London 2026 on Sunday 4th October, with Daniels’ fitness now one of the biggest talking points heading into the weekend.

Daniels returns to practice in London

Daniels suffered the injury during Washington’s Week Two defeat against the Dallas Cowboys and was subsequently ruled out of their meeting with Seattle.

His presence on the practice field in London has provided a positive development ahead of Sunday’s game, although the Commanders have made clear that his return to training does not guarantee an immediate return to the starting line-up.

Daniels was initially listed as a limited participant and has been wearing a brace on his non-throwing left arm. He said on Thursday that the elbow feels “good” as he continues to work through the team’s return-to-play process.

Quinn has stressed throughout the week that Washington will not take unnecessary risks with its starting quarterback.

“We won’t put him out there before he’s ready,” Quinn said. “That’s why it’s important to trust the process.”

The Commanders are assessing the strength and functionality of Daniels’ arm, including whether he can comfortably perform the different movements required of him during a game. The brace does not affect his throwing arm, but Washington will continue to assess how he handles an increased workload.

Friday decision expected on Daniels

There is therefore unlikely to be a definitive answer on Daniels until the Commanders complete the final stages of their preparations.

Quinn indicated earlier in the week that Thursday and Friday would provide a clearer indication of how much work the quarterback can manage before Washington decides whether he is ready to return.

“By Friday we’ll have a definite determination of where we’re at,” Quinn said.

The cautious approach is particularly understandable given Daniels’ previous problems with the same elbow. He also dislocated his left elbow last season, meaning both the player and Washington’s medical staff are already familiar with the rehabilitation process involved.

Daniels enjoyed an outstanding rookie season after being selected second overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, winning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award and quickly establishing himself as one of Washington’s most important players.

His progress has since been interrupted by injuries, making the Commanders’ management of his latest problem particularly significant with the majority of the 2026 season still to come.

Marcus Mariota ready if Daniels misses Colts game

Washington have already shown they can win without Daniels after Marcus Mariota stepped into the starting role against Seattle.

The veteran completed 19 of his 31 passes for 183 yards and threw three touchdowns as the Commanders secured their first victory of the season with a dramatic 33-31 success.

Mariota’s performance gives Quinn an experienced alternative should Washington decide that Sunday’s NFL London fixture comes too soon for Daniels.

Rather than being forced into accelerating their starting quarterback’s recovery, the Commanders can give Daniels additional time if required while retaining a proven option under center.

Washington and Indianapolis both arrive in London with 1-2 records after victories in Week Three. The Colts edged the Houston Texans 19-17 in their most recent outing and will now make the trip across the Atlantic for their first NFL London appearance since 2016.

Daniels fitness adds another storyline to NFL London opener

Whether Daniels plays or not, his availability will remain one of the main stories surrounding Sunday’s fixture until Washington confirms its final decision.

His involvement in practice means a return has not been ruled out, but the Commanders have consistently stressed that his long-term fitness will take priority over rushing him back for one game.

A final call is expected on Friday, giving Washington time to evaluate how Daniels responds to the increased workload before deciding whether he or Mariota will start against Indianapolis.

The Colts and Commanders will meet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday 4th October, with kick-off scheduled for 2:30pm BST.

NFL London hospitality with Eventmasters

The meeting between the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders begins a run of three NFL London fixtures during October, bringing regular-season American football back to the capital.

Eventmasters offers NFL London hospitality packages for fans looking to experience the action with premium seating and hospitality facilities at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley Stadium.

Following Colts v Commanders, the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday 11th October before the Houston Texans face the Jaguars at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 18th October.

FAQs

Will Jayden Daniels play against the Indianapolis Colts in London?

Daniels has not yet been confirmed for Sunday’s game. He has returned to practice while wearing a brace on his injured left elbow, with the Commanders expected to make a final decision on his availability on Friday.

What injury does Jayden Daniels have?

Daniels dislocated his left elbow during Washington’s Week Two game against the Dallas Cowboys. It is his non-throwing arm.

Who will start if Jayden Daniels cannot play?

Marcus Mariota is expected to start if Daniels is unavailable. Mariota started Washington’s Week Three victory over the Seattle Seahawks, throwing for 183 yards and three touchdowns.

When is Indianapolis Colts v Washington Commanders?

The Colts face the Commanders on Sunday 4th October 2026 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 2:30pm BST.

Can I get hospitality for NFL London 2026?

Yes. Eventmasters offers NFL London hospitality packages across the 2026 London series, with options available for games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley Stadium.