Updated October 2, 2026: Jayden Daniels will miss Sunday’s London game against Indianapolis, coach Dan Quinn announced Friday. Marcus Mariota will start for Washington for the second straight week.
Daniels said Thursday that the elbow feels good, but returning to practice did not mean he was ready to play. Friday’s decision keeps him out while he continues recovering from the left elbow injury.
What changed after Wednesday’s return
Daniels began the week back on the field wearing a brace after dislocating his left elbow against Dallas in Week 2. He missed the following game against Seattle. Wednesday’s light work in England was followed by another limited designation Thursday; neither practice label settles his game availability.
Thursday’s report listed running back Rachaad White as a nonparticipant with a shoulder injury and tight end Ben Sinnott as limited with a rib injury. Quinn said Friday that Chig Okonkwo and Frankie Luvu will play against Indianapolis.
The brace is part of the return plan
Daniels said the brace does not interfere with his throwing motion or prevent handoffs and pitches with his non-throwing hand. It restricts how far he can extend the elbow. Coach Dan Quinn said he is expected to wear it for the rest of the season.
After consulting specialists, Daniels determined that surgery was not necessary for him to play again this season. That does not establish a date for his return. Quinn has emphasized arm function and medical evaluation rather than simply whether Daniels can tolerate discomfort.
The key remaining question is whether that function is sufficient for the full range of quarterback duties in a game. Looking comfortable during passing drills is only one part of that assessment.
Mariota gets a second consecutive start
Marcus Mariota threw for 183 yards and three touchdowns in the 33-31 win over Seattle while Daniels was sidelined. He also converted a late third-and-7 with a nine-yard run, helping Washington finish the game.
That performance gives the Commanders recent evidence that the offense can win with its backup. It does not determine Daniels’ medical readiness or transfer the starting job. Mariota said Wednesday that the team would support Daniels when he is ready to play.
Washington faces Indianapolis at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, October 4, with kickoff at 9:30 a.m. ET. Washington will go into that game with Mariota leading the offense; no return date for Daniels has been announced.
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