Washington Commanders
Washington Commanders are looking to build on their first victory of the 2026 NFL season as they face the Indianapolis Colts in an important Week 4 matchup at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
The Commanders entered the game with a 1-2 record after a dramatic 33-31 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. The London matchup gives Washington another opportunity to build positive momentum and show that its season can take a stronger direction.
A Fresh Start After a Big Win
The Washington Commanders opened the season with losses to the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys before finally breaking through against Seattle.
That Week 3 victory was particularly important because Washington had to overcome the defending Super Bowl champions. Marcus Mariota stepped in for the injured Jayden Daniels and delivered an impressive performance.
Mariota completed 19 of 31 passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns. The Commanders’ defense also produced three takeaways, including a 50-yard interception return for a touchdown by Kain Medrano.
Jayden Daniels’ Injury Changes the Plan
One of the biggest storylines surrounding Washington has been the health of quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Daniels suffered a dislocated left elbow and was officially ruled out for the London game. The injury forced the Commanders to turn to Mariota for a second consecutive game.
Daniels had returned to limited practice before the London trip, but Washington decided not to rush him back. Head coach Dan Quinn has indicated that Daniels’ return will depend on his functionality and strength.
That cautious approach could be important for the Commanders as they look toward the rest of the season.
Mariota Gets Another Opportunity
Mariota’s performance against Seattle gave Washington confidence that its offense can remain competitive without Daniels.
His experience was valuable in a pressure-filled game, and he showed that he can make accurate throws while also contributing as a runner.
The Commanders also have several offensive weapons available, including wide receiver Stefon Diggs and running back Austin Ekeler.
Ekeler’s return provides another option in the backfield as Washington manages injuries to its running backs.
Terry McLaurin’s Status Matters
Washington also entered the London matchup dealing with uncertainty surrounding wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
McLaurin was listed with a hamstring injury and was ultimately ruled out for the game. His absence removes one of the Commanders’ most important receiving targets and puts additional pressure on the rest of the passing attack.
That makes players such as Diggs and the running backs even more important as Washington tries to keep its offense productive.
Defense Has Become a Key Strength
The Commanders’ defense showed signs of improvement during the Seattle victory.
Washington forced three turnovers and turned one of those takeaways into a touchdown. Rookie linebacker Sonny Styles also made an impact, while Kain Medrano delivered the decisive defensive play.
The team will need that kind of opportunistic defense throughout the season, particularly while Daniels is unavailable.
Creating turnovers can help compensate for offensive inconsistency and give the Commanders additional scoring opportunities.
A Historic London Setting
The Week 4 matchup against Indianapolis is being played at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The game is part of the NFL’s international schedule and gives Washington an opportunity to reach fans outside the United States.
Both teams entered the game at 1-2, making the matchup particularly meaningful. The Commanders’ official schedule lists the London contest as their Week 4 game before the team returns to face the New York Giants in Week 5.
What Comes Next for Washington?
The Washington Commanders have several important games ahead.
After London, Washington is scheduled to face the New York Giants on October 11 before traveling to San Francisco to meet the 49ers on October 19. The team then has its bye week before returning to action against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The next few weeks could help determine whether Washington can turn its early-season struggles into a competitive NFC campaign.
Important News Takeaway
The Washington Commanders have already experienced a dramatic start to the 2026 season.
After opening 1-2, the team earned an impressive win over Seattle and then traveled to London for a major international matchup against Indianapolis. With Jayden Daniels sidelined and Terry McLaurin unavailable, Washington has had to rely on depth and veteran leadership.
Marcus Mariota’s strong performance against Seattle provides a positive foundation, while the defense’s ability to create turnovers could remain one of the team’s biggest advantages.
The Commanders now have a chance to build momentum and make their 2026 season much more competitive.
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