The injury update on Mariota isn’t encouraging, with Molly McGrath of ESPN reporting that the 32-year-old aggravated his MCL injury. The veteran quarterback will have tests but is expected to miss some time.

While this is a huge blow for head coach Dann Quinn, there’s hope that Daniels, who suffered a dislocated left elbow in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys, returns in Week 5 against the Giants.

Injuries in the Commanders QB room

Mariota was doing just fine. In fact, he led Washington to an unexpected win over the reigning Super Bowl champions Seattle Seahawks before his injury against the Colts.

Having Daniels back next week would come just in time for the Commanders, who need to bounce back after their trip to England. Even though Kaliakmanis showed flashes of his potential and came up with a couple of great plays (including a 47-yard passing touchdown to Treylon Burks), he also faced some challenges in his NFL debut, with Washington losing 13-30.

Facing a division rival that is above them in the NFC East standings, the Commanders will prefer to avoid rookie mistakes in Week 5. With Daniels, the team will probably host the Giants with more confidence.

NFC East standings after Week 4

The Week 5 showdown will give the Commanders a chance to reduce the gap with the Giants, who finished Week 4 atop the NFC East thanks to their win over the Arizona Cardinals and the Philadelphia Eagles’ loss to the Los Angeles Rams:

1. NY Giants (3-1)
2. Eagles (2-2)
3. Cowboys (2-2)
4. Commanders (1-3)

Key takeaways

• An aggravated MCL injury will cause Marcus Mariota to miss time.
• A 47-yard touchdown pass to Treylon Burks highlighted Athan Kaliakmanis’s debut.
• Week 5 against the Giants could see Jayden Daniels return from injury.

This means Washington is now relying on Athan Kaliakmanis, the next man up on the Commanders QB depth chart in London. Let’s keep in mind that the team is already missing starting QB Jayden Daniels, who isn’t playing for the Commanders due to injury.

Mariota got hurt after taking a sack and immediately headed to the blue tent to be checked by doctors. Only a few minutes later, the quarterback went to the locker room.

Who is Athan Kaliakmanis, the Commanders QB3?

With Mariota out, Kaliakmanis is making his NFL debut after being selected in the seventh round (223rd overall) of the 2026 NFL Draft by the Commanders in April.

Kaliakmanis made 42 starts in 48 college games for Minnesota before transferring to Rutgers, where he finished the 2025 season with a career-high 3,124 yards and 20 touchdowns.

During his time in college, he completed 56.3% of his passes for 8,604 yards and 55 touchdowns with 27 interceptions, adding two rushing touchdowns to his name while going 22-20 as a starter.

At 23, Kaliakmanis is now looking to prove the NFL what he’s made of as the Commanders deal with multiple injuries at the most important position. In case something happens to him, tight end Colson Yankoff would step in as the Commanders emergency QB after being a four-star QB in high school.

Key takeaways

• A first-quarter knee injury leaves Marcus Mariota out in Week 4.
• Starting QB Jayden Daniels is already not playing for the Washington Commanders.
• 223rd overall pick Athan Kaliakmanis is stepping in to make his NFL debut.

The Colts have a more established depth chart, with greater depth when it comes to their options. Anthony Richardson is listed as the primary backup in Indianapolis, while Riley Leonard would serve as the emergency QB if needed.

Daniels’ injury in Week 2, in a way, altered Dan Quinn’s plans. The Commanders have rookie Athan Kaliakmanis as Mariota’s backup, after the quarterback joined the franchise from the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Commanders insider Ben Standig reports that Washington’s emergency QB is tight end Colson Yankoff, who was a four-star high school QB.

Mariota has stepped up so far

Marcus Mariota has stepped in seamlessly for Jayden Daniels following his elbow injury, keeping the Commanders’ offense surprisingly sharp and efficient. Taking over late in Week 2 against Dallas and starting Week 3 against Seattle, Mariota has completed 30 of 47 passes for 294 yards, 4 touchdowns, and zero interceptions, boasting a stellar 109.7 passer rating alongside 14 rushing yards.

Rather than just holding down the fort, he’s provided a veteran spark that has kept Washington’s passing game dangerous and moving the chains. Dan Quinn can afford to rest his star player until he is fully recovered, as he clearly has enough depth to fill in for him.

Jones still has a lot to improve

Daniel Jones’ start with the Colts in this 2026 NFL season has been a bit of a rollercoaster, sitting at 611 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions with a 66.3% completion rate through his first three games. While he’s shown occasional flashes in Shane Steichen’s system, Jones clearly still has a long way to go to gain consistency, cut down on costly turnovers, and prove he can reliably power Indianapolis’ offense when the pressure builds.

Key takeaways

• 1-2 record for both Washington Commanders and Indianapolis Colts heading into Week 4.
• Anthony Richardson sits as the primary backup quarterback behind starter Daniel Jones.
• Athan Kaliakmanis is the Commanders’ backup QB behind Marcus Mariota.

It is well known that the league intends to continue expanding its reach to different locations, and London is once again set to host several games. In Week 1, the Rams and 49ers faced off in Melbourne, and now the Commanders and Colts will meet outside the United States.

Fans from different places will gather at the stadium and enjoy a great matchup between two teams looking to establish themselves among the contenders. Which team will ultimately be better represented by its fans inside the stadium?

More games in London

The remaining 2026 NFL London Games cross-pond slate brings two huge October matchups right after Week 4. First up on Sunday, October 11, the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in a marquee NFC-AFC showdown at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Just one week later, on Sunday, October 18, Jacksonville stays across the pond to act as the home team again, taking on their AFC South rival Houston Texans in a division battle at the iconic Wembley Stadium.

International NFL games this season

Outside of London, things kicked off in Week 1 with a historical debut in Melbourne, Australia, where the San Francisco 49ers faced off against the Los Angeles Rams at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. In Week 3, the league made its Brazilian debut in Rio de Janeiro as the Baltimore Ravens took on the Dallas Cowboys at the Maracana Stadium.

Looking ahead to the rest of the fall, the NFL lands at the Stade de France on October 25 for a clash between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints, followed by a Madrid debut at Bernabeu Stadium on November 8 featuring the Cincinnati Bengals and Atlanta Falcons.

The global swing wraps up in November with the New England Patriots facing the Detroit Lions in Munich on November 15, before closing out in Mexico City on November 22 with a division-caliber matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers at Estadio Banorte.

Key takeaways

• Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will host nearly 60,000 spectators for the London game.
• Philadelphia Eagles vs Jacksonville Jaguars play in London on October 11, 2026.
• The global schedule closes in Mexico City at Estadio Banorte on November 22.

Weeks ago, Roger Goodell announced the two singers on social media, entrusting them with the important task. Levi will perform the verses of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” while Webb will do the same with “God Save the Queen.”

This game is one of several that will take place in London as part of an extensive international schedule that also includes various cities around the world. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is already ready to welcome the Commanders and Colts.

The third stop outside the U.S.

The clash between the Colts and Commanders at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium marks the third official game played outside the US this 2026 season, following the historic opener down under in Melbourne (Rams vs. 49ers) and Week 3’s showdown in Rio de Janeiro (Ravens vs. Cowboys).

But the league’s global tour is far from over—London still has two more back-to-back stops on deck in October (Eagles vs. Jaguars at Tottenham and Texans vs. Jaguars at Wembley), before heading to Paris (Steelers vs. Saints), Madrid (Bengals vs. Falcons), Munich (Patriots vs. Lions), and finally wrapping up in Mexico City (Vikings vs. 49ers) in late November.

Key takeaways

• Josh Levi and Mimi Webb will sing the national anthems before kickoff.
• Roger Goodell announced both singers on social media weeks ago.
• The matchup marks the third official game played outside the US this season.

According to information released by the NFL’s official website, a groin injury is the main reason Allen will not be alongside his teammates. Undoubtedly, this is a significant loss for Daniel Jones’ passing attack.

For the Commanders, McLaurin’s presence has also been ruled out. A hamstring injury he recently suffered during last week’s practice ultimately sidelines him for this important game.

Keenan Allen’s numbers so far this season

Keenan Allen’s start with Indianapolis in this 2026 NFL season has been pretty modest so far, pulling in 13 receptions for 100 receiving yards and a single touchdown across his first three games before going down. Now, with Allen sidelined on injured reserve, the Colts find themselves shuffling their target hierarchy big time: Laquon Treadwell and Josh Downs are set to step up as the primary WR1 options to keep the aerial attack moving.

McLaurin’s impact on the Commanders

Terry McLaurin‘s early 2026 run with the Commanders has been steady if a bit quiet, hauling in 10 catches for 141 receiving yards and a touchdown across his first three games. While those numbers might not jump off the stat sheet just yet, Scary Terry remains the focal point and undisputed leader of Washington’s passing game.

His ability to stretch the field with a solid 14.1 yards per catch keeps opposing defenses honest, opening up crucial space underneath for the rest of the offense and giving the Commanders a reliable big-play threat whenever they need a spark.

Key takeaways

• Keenan Allen is out due to a groin injury after recording 13 receptions.
• Terry McLaurin is also out for kickoff because of a hamstring injury.
• Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London hosts the 2026 NFL game between Indianapolis and Washington.

Although Daniels practiced on a limited basis this week and traveled with the rest of his teammates to London, the coaching staff ultimately ruled him out. Once again, veteran Marcus Mariota will take the reins and start at quarterback.

The primary backup for this game against the Colts will be rookie Athan Kaliakmanis, just as he was against the Seattle Seahawks. Meanwhile, Daniels continues to recover from the injury to his non-throwing arm.

When could Daniels return?

Jayden Daniels suffered a dislocated left elbow in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys when he landed awkwardly after getting knocked down. Luckily for Washington, tests showed no fractures or major ligament damage, and he dodged surgery or an IR stint altogether.

He already got back to practice this week in a limited role while sporting a protective brace on his non-throwing arm. Dan Quinn expects him to have a full week of practice next week, putting him right on track for a potential Week 5 return against the New York Giants.

Establishing themselves in the NFC East

Sitting at a 1-2 record after getting back on track with a tight win against Seattle, the Commanders know that climbing back into the NFC East race means capitalizing on their upcoming slate. After heading to London in Week 4, their schedule starting from Week 5 features a crucial mix of division rivalry and top-tier road tests:

• Week 5 (Oct 11): vs New York Giants (Northwest Stadium, Landover)
• Week 6 (Oct 19 – MNF): at San Francisco 49ers (Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara)
• Week 7: BYE WEEK
• Week 8 (Nov 1 – SNF): vs Philadelphia Eagles (Northwest Stadium, Landover)
• Week 9 (Nov 8): vs Los Angeles Rams (Northwest Stadium, Landover)

If Dan Quinn‘s squad can protect home field against the Giants and Eagles in this stretch, they’ll turn the NFC East into an absolute dogfight before November even hits.

Key takeaways

• Jayden Daniels was ruled out for the London game due to an elbow injury.
• Marcus Mariota will start at quarterback for the Washington Commanders against Indianapolis.
• Washington hopes for a potential Week 5 return against the New York Giants.

Daniels suffered the injury on the final play of the first half against Dallas. The incident immediately raised concerns about the severity of the damage, as the quarterback’s arm appeared to bend awkwardly before he was taken to the locker room. Initial fears suggested that Daniels could potentially miss the remainder of the season.

However, Washington has received encouraging news regarding its starting quarterback. After additional imaging and consultations with specialists, Daniels was not placed on injured reserve, leaving open the possibility of a quicker return. For now, the Commanders will have to rely on Marcus Mariota while their young quarterback continues his recovery.

When will Jayden Daniels return?

The positive news for Washington is that Jayden Daniels will not be placed on injured reserve and is now considered week-to-week. That means the quarterback will not automatically be required to miss at least four games, giving the Commanders hope that he could return sooner than initially expected.

The decision not to place Daniels on injured reserve came after doctors evaluated his elbow injury and consulted multiple specialists. Although there is no confirmed return date, both Daniels and the Commanders are reportedly aiming for him to return as soon as possible. His recovery will ultimately determine when he can resume playing.

For now, Daniels will miss the game against Seattle as Washington continues to monitor his progress. The injury initially appeared to be a potential season-ending setback, but the latest update has significantly improved the outlook for the Commanders. If his recovery progresses as hoped, Washington could have its starting quarterback back before the team initially feared.

Who is Commanders starting QB vs Seahawks?

Marcus Mariota will be the starting quarterback for the Washington Commanders against the Seattle Seahawks. In Dallas, the veteran took over in the second half throwing for 111 yards and one touchdown.

Key takeaways

• Jayden Daniels is out against Seahawks due to dislocated left elbow suffered against Cowboys.
• Commanders quarterback will avoid injured reserve and is currently evaluated as week-to-week.
• Marcus Mariota will start at quarterback for Washington in Daniels’ absence.

The Commanders’ depth chart took a hit following Daniels’ injury, which appears to have avoided the worst-case scenario. For this game, the primary backup behind Mariota will be rookie Athan Kaliakmanis.

Things appear to be much clearer for the Seahawks, especially with Darnold’s return. The primary alternative at the position is Drew Lock, who played a significant role in Weeks 1 and 2, while Jalen Milroe sits further down the QB room.

Daniels’ status is week-to-week

It was a scary moment for Washington during their Week 2 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys when Jayden Daniels went down with a dislocated left elbow right before halftime while trying to brace his fall. Fans were bracing for the worst—especially given his past elbow troubles—but the latest medical evaluations brought some relief, ruling out IR for now.

He is currently considered week-to-week, and while surgery isn’t immediately on the table as he attempts a quick return, medical experts suggest a potential procedure at the end of the season might still be needed to fix ligament joint laxity once and for all.

Darnold’s highly anticipated return

The Seahawks held their breath in the season opener against the New England Patriots when Sam Darnold went down after taking a heavy sack on the very first drive. What was initially feared to be a serious hip or leg issue turned out to be a weird soft-tissue glute injury, which kept him sidelined for Week 2 against Arizona.

Fortunately for Seattle, Drew Lock stepped in and kept the offense humming, leading his team to a 2-0 record and keeping them among the top contenders in the NFC.

Key takeaways

• Marcus Mariota will start for Washington, while Sam Darnold returns as Seattle’s primary quarterback.
• Rookie Athan Kaliakmanis will serve as the Commanders’ primary backup quarterback behind Mariota.
• Jayden Daniels is considered week-to-week after suffering a dislocated left elbow against Dallas.

The Commanders quarterback suffered the injury on the final play of the first half in Washington’s 37-20 loss to Dallas. Daniels’ arm was placed in an air cast as he was taken from the field, and the way the elbow appeared to bend immediately raised fears that the injury could end his season. Initial X-rays ruled out a fracture, but additional imaging and specialist evaluations were needed to determine the severity of the damage.

Now, Adam Schefter has delivered the kind of update Washington was hoping to receive after several days of uncertainty. Schefter reported that Daniels will not be placed on injured reserve, meaning the Commanders are not currently expecting an extended absence that would automatically keep their quarterback out for at least four games.

Jayden Daniels avoids injured reserve in huge break for Washington

Schefter’s report provided the clearest indication yet that the situation is considerably more positive for Jayden Daniels and the Commanders than it appeared on Sunday night.

“Commanders QB Jayden Daniels will not be placed on injured reserve, sources confirmed to Ian Rapoport and me. After imaging on his dislocated left elbow was evaluated and multiple specialists were consulted, the consensus is that Daniels now will be considered week-to-week. Both Daniels and the Commanders say they are aiming for him to return as soon as possible.”

That is a major break for the Commanders. Placing Daniels on injured reserve would have guaranteed that he missed at least four games, while Washington can now monitor his recovery and potentially bring him back sooner if he is medically cleared.

Who is Commanders backup QB?

There is still no specific return date for Jayden Daniels, and the Washington Commanders will have to rely on Marcus Mariota while their young quarterback recovers.

However, the difference between fearing a season-ending injury when Daniels left the Cowboys game and now having him classified as week-to-week is enormous. For the Commanders, this update preserves the possibility of getting their starting quarterback back much earlier than initially feared.

Key takeaways

• Jayden Daniels is week-to-week after suffering a dislocated left elbow.
• Washington will not place their starting quarterback on injured reserve.
• The team will rely on Marcus Mariota while their starter recovers.

“I’m not going to assume on the timeline,” Quinn said to the press. “Once I know, I’ll share it with you to go. But I think just for me to say, this many weeks or not, I’d rather wait on that and let’s get all the info. But that said, I’d also say, yeah, we have a lot of confidence in what we do and what we’ve been doing. … But as far as a timeline, or what, or who else to add, we’ll wait on that.”

With the Seattle Seahawks looming in Week 3, Dan Quinn will once again have to rely on what Marcus Mariota can provide for his team. Athan Kaliakmanis, the quarterback selected in the most recent draft, is listed as the other option on the depth chart.

What we know about Daniels’ injury

Jayden Daniels suffered a dislocated non-throwing elbow during the Commanders‘ loss to America’s Team. It happened on the final play of the first half when guard Chris Paul accidentally stepped on his foot, causing Daniels to lose his balance and awkwardly extend his left arm to break his fall—a brutal situation considering it’s the exact same elbow he dislocated late last season.

Fortunately, initial X-rays confirmed there are no fractures, but he’s currently meeting with specialists to review MRI results and determine if there’s any ligament damage or need for surgery.

A tough schedule ahead for the Commanders

After taking on Seattle in Week 3, the Commanders pack their bags for London in Week 4 to face the Indianapolis Colts at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Following that overseas trip, they head back home to host a key divisional clash against the New York Giants in Week 5, before flying out to the West Coast for a heavy Monday Night Football showdown against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 6.

Key takeaways

• Head coach Dan Quinn cannot provide an exact timeline for Jayden Daniels’ return.
• Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota will start against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3.
• X-rays revealed no fractures to his dislocated non-throwing left elbow.