Commanders rule out Jayden Daniels for Sunday; Marcus Mariota starts vs. Colts

Washington's quarterback situation is settled for Sunday: coach Dan Quinn has ruled Jayden Daniels out for the game against the Colts, with Marcus Mariota set to start once again.

Daniels, the Commanders' starter who has been working his way back from a leg injury, practiced as a limited participant again on Thursday, but Quinn made clear the former Heisman winner is not quite ready to play. The decision formalizes what the team had signaled all week — the return-to-play process continues, just not fast enough for this week's international game.

It is the second consecutive week Mariota gets the call, and the veteran gives Quinn's offense a steady, mobile presence while Daniels heals. Washington hosts Indianapolis in London, and the stakes are real: the Commanders have leaned on a conservative, run-first approach with Mariota under center, and the passing game will again hinge on game management rather than the deep shots Daniels provides.

The longer Daniels misses, the more Washington's early-season rhythm comes under the microscope. The former No. 2 overall pick was off to a strong start before the injury, and the team has been cautious rather than aggressive with his recovery. Expect another full week of limited practices before any conversation about a return shifts toward the team's Week 6 schedule.