The Indianapolis Colts will see a different Washington Commanders team in London than the one they expected when the schedule came out. Jayden Daniels is out with a dislocated left elbow, and Marcus Mariota is coming off an upset of Seattle in his place.
Both teams are 1-2, and the Colts arrive after a 19-17 win over Houston. Kickoff Sunday is 9:30 a.m. ET on NFL Network at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Marcus Mariota starts with Jayden Daniels out
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Daniels dislocated his left elbow against Dallas in Week 2, the second time in less than a year, and Washington has ruled him out again. Mariota went 19 of 31 for 183 yards and three touchdown passes in a 33-31 win over the defending champion Seahawks, ending Seattle’s 12-game winning streak.
He has four touchdown passes and no interceptions this season. His 91.7 passing grade when blitzed trails only Patrick Mahomes, and his 7.8% big-time throw rate is second in the league, according to PFF.
The Commanders’ run defense has been one of the NFL’s best
Washington has allowed 246 rushing yards through three weeks, third-fewest in the league, at 3.8 yards per carry. The Commanders also lead the NFL in run stuff rate at 25% and have allowed five runs of 10 or more yards, per Next Gen Stats. Rookie linebacker Sonny Styles, a first-round pick, had an interception and a forced fumble against Seattle.
That is a difficult draw for Jonathan Taylor, and it puts more on Daniel Jones, who has turned the ball over in all three games.
Terry McLaurin is questionable with a hamstring injury
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McLaurin was added to the injury report Friday after a limited practice. He caught six passes for 77 yards against Seattle, including a 30-yard touchdown. If he can’t play, Stefon Diggs moves to the top of Washington’s receiver group.
The Commanders will also be without running back Rachaad White (shoulder) and right guard Sam Cosmi, who is in concussion protocol.
Washington’s secondary is where the Colts can attack
The Commanders rank 24th in defensive EPA per play, according to Sumer Sports. Cornerback Mike Sainristil has allowed a league-high five touchdowns and a 142.4 passer rating when targeted, per Next Gen Stats.
Safety Nick Cross (illness) did not travel to London, and his replacement, Quan Martin, earned a 46.8 grade from PFF in Week 3. Safety Percy Butler (concussion) is questionable.
Josh Downs caught five passes for 77 yards against Houston as the Colts found explosive plays without Alec Pierce. Indianapolis lists receivers Keenan Allen (groin) and Ashton Dulin (ankle) as questionable.
