Commanders Rule Out Jayden Daniels for Week 4 After 2nd Elbow Dislocation

Q: Could Marcus Mariota exploit a weak Colts defense to spark a sudden quarterback controversy?

Yes, Mariota has a real chance to post a strong game against Indianapolis, but that alone would be unlikely to create a true quarterback controversy. The matchup is favorable. The Colts have been one of the NFL’s weakest defenses early, ranking near the bottom of the league in yards allowed, pass yards allowed and yards per play. Mariota is also coming off an efficient outing against Seattle, completing 19 of 31 passes for 183 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in Washington’s 33-31 win. Against a softer secondary, he should have chances to attack through both the air and with his mobility. That said, Washington’s bigger picture still points to Jayden Daniels as the starter once healthy. Dan Quinn has framed Daniels’ absence strictly as a medical decision tied to his dislocated left elbow, and the team wants him to get through a full week of practice before considering his return. Daniels traveled to London, practiced in a limited role and is viewed as progressing, not losing his job. A big Mariota performance could create short-term noise, especially if Washington wins again and Daniels remains limited. It could also reinforce the idea that the Commanders do not need to rush Daniels back. But Mariota is still being treated as a capable bridge, not a long-term replacement. Unless Daniels suffers a setback or Mariota strings together multiple standout games, this is more likely to become a “when should Daniels return?” discussion than a genuine competition for QB1.

3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Oct 2

Dan Quinn said Jayden Daniels will miss Sunday’s game against Indianapolis in London, despite returning to limited practice just 10 days after dislocating his left elbow on Sept. 20.
The Commanders want Daniels to be a full practice participant before clearing him; Quinn called his progress encouraging, and Daniels said the non-throwing arm feels good day by day.
No fractures or major ligament damage were found, and Daniels chose against surgery after seeing specialists, though he said an offseason procedure remains possible after his second dislocation since last November.
Marcus Mariota will make his second straight start after leading a 33-31 win over Seattle, with Washington saying his mobile, downfield skill set closely matches Daniels’ and eases the offensive adjustment.