Marcus Mariota to Start at Quarterback for Commanders in London Game
Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota will start against the Colts in London as Jayden Daniels has been ruled out.

Peoria Bloomington, IL, October 2, 2026 — The Washington Commanders are set to have Marcus Mariota under center when they face the Indianapolis Colts in London. This change comes as starting quarterback Jayden Daniels has been officially ruled out for the upcoming international game.
Mariota, a veteran signal-caller, will step into the starting role for the Commanders. The team has not provided specific details regarding the nature or severity of Daniels’ injury that led to him being ruled out. The Commanders will be making this announcement in preparation for their Week 10 matchup against the Colts.
The game is scheduled to take place in London, marking another NFL international series event. The absence of Daniels means Mariota will be tasked with leading the Commanders’ offense in a high-profile international contest.
Details regarding the duration of Daniels’ potential absence or the full extent of his injury were not immediately available. The team’s medical staff will continue to evaluate his condition. The Commanders organization has not released further information concerning this quarterback change or the injury status of other players involved.
This marks a significant shift in the team’s starting lineup for the London game. Mariota’s experience is expected to be a key factor as the Commanders aim for a strong performance against the Colts. Further updates on player status are anticipated closer to the game date.
Information regarding the specific cause of Jayden Daniels being ruled out, including whether it is injury-related or another factor, was not disclosed in the provided summary. The exact timeline for Daniels’ return to play remains unannounced. The financial implications, if any, associated with player injuries or roster changes for this game have not been detailed. The Commanders’ coaching staff will likely address these matters in post-game or pre-game press conferences, though such statements were not included in the initial trend summary. The status of other players on the Commanders’ roster was also not specified.
Mariota’s previous starts and performance metrics were not provided in the trend summary. The Commanders’ record and standings going into this game were also not detailed. The Colts’ quarterback situation or any related roster moves were not mentioned in the summary.
The game’s final outcome and any subsequent player performances or roster adjustments following the London matchup are beyond the scope of the initial information provided. The summary focuses solely on the quarterback change due to Jayden Daniels being ruled out and Marcus Mariota stepping in as the starter for the game against the Colts in London. The specifics of any permits or inspection outcomes related to the stadium or the event were not part of the summary.
The Commanders’ official statement on Jayden Daniels being ruled out and the subsequent decision for Marcus Mariota to start was the central point of the trend. The full roster and depth chart adjustments related to this change were not elaborated upon. The timeline leading up to this decision also remains unspecified in the provided summary. The reported status of Jayden Daniels as ‘ruled out’ is the only information available on his availability for the game. The contractor involved in organizing the event or any associated personnel were not named. The fine amounts or code violations, if any, pertaining to the team or the event were not mentioned. There was no information about what happened next beyond the confirmation of Mariota starting. The summary did not include any quotes from team officials, players, or coaches regarding this decision.
Story summarized from the original created by KEN MAGUIRE, Associated Press on www.centralillinoisproud.com, see more information here.
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