Commanders shuffle roster with injuries, signings ahead of Week 4
Commanders bring back Luvu and Okonkwo; sign Ekeler as White sidelined.
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NFL 2025-26 Season
Coverage of the 2025-2026 National Football League season, including games, injuries, player transactions, and team developments.
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2026-10-03 to 2026-10-31 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 3 Oct, 00:48 UTC
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What happened
Washington Commanders sign veteran running back Austin Ekeler
The Washington Commanders signed veteran running back Austin Ekeler on Monday to provide depth at the position amid Rachaad White's shoulder injury. Head coach Dan Quinn praised Ekeler's immediate readiness, stating the veteran did not appear rusty in practice.
Rachaad White unlikely to play Week 4 due to shoulder injury
Running back Rachaad White did not practice for a third straight day on Friday and his game status for Week 4 remained uncertain. White has rushed for 100 yards on 22 carries through three games and has 9 receptions for 51 yards and one touchdown this season.
Commanders tight end Chig Okonkwo returns for Week 4
Tight end Chig Okonkwo will return to play for the Commanders in Week 4 against the Colts after missing the past two games due to a hamstring injury. Okonkwo appeared in Week 1 before being sidelined for Weeks 2 and 3.
Jayden Daniels ruled out for Week 4 with dislocated elbow
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has been ruled out for Week 4 against the Colts due to a dislocated left elbow suffered in Week 2. Despite practicing in limited fashion with a protective brace on Wednesday and Thursday, head coach Dan Quinn determined Daniels needs additional recovery time before returning to game action.
Marcus Mariota starts for Washington Commanders against Indianapolis Colts in London
Marcus Mariota will start at quarterback for the Washington Commanders in Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. This is Mariota's second consecutive start, following a 33-31 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3 where he completed 19 of 31 passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns.
Jayden Daniels eligible to return in Week 5 against New York Giants
Head coach Dan Quinn indicated that Jayden Daniels could potentially return as soon as Week 5 when the Commanders host the New York Giants. Quinn stated that a full week of practice would be a significant milestone for determining Daniels' readiness to return to game action. This would be Daniels' third missed game due to the elbow injury.
Jayden Daniels sustains second elbow dislocation in two seasons
Jayden Daniels suffered a dislocated left elbow in Week 2 of the 2026 season, marking the second time in two consecutive seasons he has sustained this injury. Like the previous year, Daniels will not undergo surgery for the dislocation, allowing for potential return within the same season.
Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu returns for Week 4
Linebacker Frankie Luvu will return to action for the Commanders in Week 4 against Indianapolis after missing the previous two games with a groin injury. Luvu played in Week 1 before being sidelined for Weeks 2 and 3.
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2 alternative perspectives
Mariota Steps In as Daniels Sidelined With Elbow Injury
Mariota starts for injured Daniels; Commanders QB sidelined with dislocated elbow.