Commanders Rule Out Jayden Daniels vs. Colts, Marcus Mariota to Start in London

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn ruled out starting quarterback Jayden Daniels for Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts due to a dislocated elbow, handing Marcus Mariota his second consecutive start at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, according to reports from The Athletic.

Commanders and Colts Meet at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Sunday’s matchup between the 1-2 Washington Commanders and the 1-2 Indianapolis Colts kicks off at 9:30 a.m. ET at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The international series contest brings both squads across the Atlantic following contrasting Week 3 outcomes.

Dan Quinn Details the Decision on Jayden Daniels

Daniels sustained the elbow dislocation in his non-throwing arm during Washington’s Week 2 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. He traveled to London with the team and participated in limited practices throughout the week while wearing a brace on his left arm, creating brief optimism regarding a potential return against Indianapolis. However, Quinn officially sidelined his passer on Friday. “Valuteremo la situazione la settimana prossima, quando potrà allenarsi per tutta la settimana,” Quinn stated, indicating that the team will evaluate Daniels next week with the hope of a full practice load ahead of a Week 5 meeting with the New York Giants.

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Despite missing Sunday’s contest, Daniels expressed confidence that practicing in a protective brace would not exacerbate the underlying injury. “That’s what the brace is for. If I had that concern, I would have got surgery,” Daniels said Thursday. General manager Adam Peters reinforced that surgical intervention has not been discussed and that the team has not placed Daniels on the injured reserve list, which would have forced a minimum four-week absence.

Marcus Mariota Steps in After Seattle Victory

Marcus Mariota takes the first offensive snap for Washington after orchestrating a 33-31 victory over the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks in Week 3. Mariota completed efficient throws, finishing the afternoon with three touchdowns, zero interceptions, and a 110.0 passer rating. Prior to that breakout performance, he replaced an injured Daniels against Dallas, completing 11 of 16 passes with one touchdown.

Commanders Rule Out Jayden Daniels vs. Colts, Marcus Mariota to Start in London — Photo: thescore.com

General manager Adam Peters praised Mariota’s reliability leading up to the Seattle fixture, calling him the best backup quarterback in the league. That confidence now translates to the international stage in London, where Mariota faces an Indianapolis defense that surrenders more total yardage than any other team in the NFL, alongside a 29th-ranking in points allowed.

Commanders Prepare for Giants as Staff Reassess Daniels

The Commanders return from London next week to begin preparations for their Week 5 contest against the New York Giants, at which point team medical staff will reassess Daniels’ readiness for full team practices.