The Washington Commanders have officially ruled out rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels for Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed the decision following the team’s final practice on Friday, designating veteran Marcus Mariota as the starter for the second consecutive week.
The decision comes as Washington prioritizes the long-term health of Daniels, who is recovering from a dislocated left elbow sustained during the final play of the first half against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2. While Daniels returned to practice this week in a limited capacity, the team determined he was not yet ready for full game action in the 9:30 a.m. ET kickoff.
To manage the injury for the remainder of the 2026 season, Daniels will wear a custom protective arm brace. The specialized equipment is designed to allow for a normal throwing motion while strictly limiting the extension of his left arm to prevent a third dislocation of that same elbow.
The Washington Commanders will rely on Mariota to maintain the momentum he established in Week 3. In his first start of the season last week, Mariota led Washington to a 33-31 upset victory over the Seattle Seahawks, throwing for 183 yards and three touchdowns. His efficiency in relief has provided the coaching staff with the flexibility to keep Daniels sidelined until he achieves full stability in his non-throwing arm.
The travel to London for the 2026 International Series has also forced the Commanders to adjust their depth chart beyond the quarterback position. The team will be without starting guard Sam Cosmi, who remains in concussion protocol, and safety Nick Cross, who was ruled out due to illness.
The Colts’ defense, which has struggled against mobile quarterbacks this season, will face a veteran in Mariota who offers a similar, albeit more experienced, rushing threat to the sidelined rookie.
