The Washington Commanders have touched down in London for their Week 4 showdown against the Indianapolis Colts, and all eyes are squarely on their star signal-caller. Jayden Daniels made the trip across the pond, bringing a wave of cautious optimism to the Burgundy and Gold faithful.
After suffering a gruesome dislocated left elbow right before halftime against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2, Daniels has been on an evaluation rollercoaster. Here is the latest on his practice status, the protective gear he’s sporting, and what the future holds for his elbow.
Practicing Through It: The Brace Situation
The good news? Daniels is officially back on the practice field in London.
To make this return possible, Daniels is utilizing a specialized protective brace on his left arm. Because this is his second elbow dislocation in the span of 10 months (he suffered a similar injury last season during Week 9), the ligaments have been stretched and weakened. The brace locks the joint in place and helps prevent the elbow from sliding out or buckling under pressure when he takes hits.
While it’s his non-throwing arm, playing quarterback in the NFL inherently requires absorbing contact and bracing for falls. The brace is a non-negotiable piece of his uniform for the remainder of the 2026 season.
Will He Play on Sunday?
Despite flying with the team and participating in practice, his status for Sunday’s matchup against the Colts remains a bit of a gray area.
Bringing him to London and having him practice is a clear sign that the coaching staff hasn’t fully ruled out a Week 4 return. However, several reports indicate that the Commanders might err on the side of caution and sit him against the Colts, allowing him more time to adjust to the brace and heal up.
“We’re not going to put him out there before he’s ready,” Head Coach Dan Quinn told reporters. “That’s why it’s important to trust the process. Him being back on the field, that’s a good step for us”
If Daniels doesn’t suit up, veteran Marcus Mariota will once again take the reins. Mariota stepped up in a big way in Week 3, completing 19 of 31 passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns to lead Washington to a thrilling 33-31 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. The offense is in capable hands if Daniels needs one more week on the sideline.
The Inevitable: Offseason Surgery
While the immediate focus is on the current campaign, the long-term reality is becoming clear: surgery is almost certainly on the horizon.
According to reports from NFL insiders, including Adam Schefter, Daniels will likely need an offseason procedure to repair the damaged ligaments in his left elbow. By opting out of surgery now, Daniels avoids being placed on injured reserve and missing a significant chunk of this season.
It is a calculated, gutsy risk. Daniels knows what’s at stake, not just for the team’s current momentum, but for his own competitive drive. Delaying the procedure lets him stay on the field and help the Commanders win games, but it means he will have to go under the knife once the season concludes to fully stabilize the joint for the long haul.
Bottom Line for Jayden Daniels
Jayden Daniels is doing everything in his power to get back under center. The brace is on, he is putting in the work at practice in London, and he has fully committed to pushing through the injury for his team. Whether we see him taking snaps against the Colts on Sunday or waiting another week, his toughness is undeniable.
