Commanders Vs. Colts Preview (10-2-26)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: Washington Commanders
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — The Washington Commanders, riding a stunning upset win over the Seattle Seahawks in their home opener last weekend, head across the pond for the NFL’s International matchup against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday morning.
Marcus Mariota will make his second-straight start for Washington (1-2) in place of the injured Daniels, who also practiced in a limited capacity this week. Mariota did a great job last weekend managing the offense and moving the ball downfield, finishing with three passing touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Indianapolis (1-2) also won their first game of the season, 19-17, last weekend in a divisional matchup against the Houston Texans.
Both teams played overseas last season; Washington fell to the Miami Dolphins, 16-13 in overtime. Indianapolis defeated the Atlanta Falcons in overtime, 31-25, behind a career outing by star running back Jonathan Taylor, who rushed for 244 yards and three scores.
Game Details
● Date: October 4th, 2026
● When: 9:30 a.m. EST
● Where: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, United Kingdom
● How to listen: Official Washington Commanders Radio Broadcast
● How to watch: NFL Network
Injury Report
Washington
● QB Jayden Daniels (Elbow)- Out
● RB Rachaad White (Shoulder)- Out
● G Sam Cosmi (Concussion)- Out
● S Nick Cross (Illness)- Out
● S Percy Butler (Concussion)- Questionable
Indianaoplis
● WR Keenan Allen (Groin)- Questionable
● TE Mo Alie-Cox (Illness)- Questionable
History vs. Indianapolis
The Commanders have faced the Colts a total of 34 times, with Indy leading the series 21-13. Washington won the last meeting, 17-16, back in the 2022 season, when a last-second heave from Taylor Henicke to Terry McLaurin for 33 yards set the offense up at the one in the final seconds. Capped by a one-yard Henicke touchdown to win.
Three Keys To Victory For Washington
1. Contain Jonathan Taylor: This won’t be easy for Washington, neutralizing one of the best backs the league has to offer. Taylor provides elite speed, vision, patience, and power that give him the full package when out on the field. Washington has been great at stopping the run in 2026, holding opponents to 82 yards on the ground per contest. In week one against Philly, Saquon Barkley had only 83 yards, with 42 coming off one run where he broke free. In week two, Javonte Williams managed only 30 total rushing yards. Last weekend, Seattle managed only 44 total rushing yards on 18 attempts.
2. Continue To Create Turnovers: Here’s a stat for readers: last weekend Washington’s defense forced three turnovers (two interceptions & one forced fumble) on the day; all of them resulted in a touchdown for Washington. Pressure on Daniel Jones can lead to reckless mistakes or even a fumble, as he’s lost two fumbles this year. It’ll be important for Daronte Jones to scheme up some different looks to confuse Jones or ramp up the clock in his head. Another noteworthy thing is that Jones hasn’t run the ball as much, maybe partly because he’s coming off a serious lower-body injury from last season, but watch his limited movement.
3. Run The Ball: Washington has yet to have a substantial stat line from its running back in a game this season. Yes, Rachaad White and Jacory Croskey-Merritt have different roles in how they’re used, but you still need the chains to move on early downs to set up your offense in more favorable positions. I want to see David Blogh get creative with the way “Bill” is used this week, especially with White missing this contest, and try to get Bill out on the creases and open in between the tackles. Some more zone scheme looks could play to his strengths and stretch the Indy defensive line. Also, veteran running back Austin Ekeler is back and will fill in White’s role; how he’ll look remains unknown. Maybe rookie Kaytron Allen gets a few carries in short-yardage situations as well.
