Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels returned to practice on Wednesday in London, just 10 days after suffering a second dislocation of his left elbow. Daniels participated in a light walk-through session while wearing a brace on his injured arm. The team, which arrived in London earlier that day, conducted a more limited practice due to travel and injury considerations.

Head coach Dan Quinn indicated that Daniels would have been classified as a limited participant if the session had been a full practice. He noted that the quarterback’s readiness to play in Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium depends on the “functionality and the strength” of his elbow. Quinn added that the team will gradually increase Daniels’s repetitions throughout the week and finalize a game status decision by Friday.

“We’re not going to put him out there before he’s ready,” Quinn said, emphasizing the importance of trusting the recovery process.

If Daniels is not cleared to play, backup quarterback Marcus Mariota would start his second consecutive game. Mariota has completed 63.8 percent of his passes, ranking 19th in the NFL, with an average of 6.3 yards per attempt (23rd) and four touchdown passes through two games this season. He has also avoided turnovers, providing stability to an offense that currently holds a 1-2 record.

Mariota expressed confidence in Daniels, noting the quarterback’s positive attitude despite the repeated injury. “You can tell that, this being the second time around, he’s comfortable with where he’s at,” Mariota said. “He’s really just trusting everybody around him. Everybody’s best interest is for the organization and for him, and we’re going to do all that we can to help support him.”

Daniels sustained the injury during the Commanders’ loss to the Dallas Cowboys on September 20. Subsequent X-rays and MRI scans showed no fractures or major ligament damage. Following consultations with medical specialists last week, Daniels opted to delay surgery for the time being. An individual familiar with the situation, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that surgery could still occur in the offseason, as undergoing the procedure now would likely end Daniels’s season.

Given that Daniels appeared in only seven games last season and completed four starts, delaying surgery reflects a cautious approach to managing his health and preserving his availability for future play.