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Jonathan Taylor scores twice as Colts beat Commanders 30-13 in London

Taylor bounces back with two rushing touchdowns, while Washington loses Marcus Mariota to a knee injury.

Jonathan Taylor ran for two touchdowns as the Indianapolis Colts defeated the Washington Commanders 30-13 in London on Sunday. The Colts improved to 2-2 on the season, while the Commanders fell to 1-3.

What happened

Taylor gave the Colts a 7-6 lead late in the first half with a touchdown run around the left edge, and he added another score in the second half. He finished with 21 touches for 97 total yards and 22.2 fantasy points, according to Yahoo Sports. Taylor also had a London-themed celebration after his first touchdown, appearing to enjoy a cup of tea.

Washington’s quarterback situation was thrown into chaos early. Starter Marcus Mariota left the game in the first quarter with a knee injury and did not return. Third-string rookie Athan Kaliakmanis relieved him and threw for 186 yards and one touchdown, but he also threw an interception and had an 87-yard touchdown called back by penalty.

Mariota’s injury is reportedly an aggravation of an MCL sprain he sustained during the preseason, and he is undergoing further testing. The Commanders were already without starting quarterback Jayden Daniels, who is out with an elbow injury. Wide receiver Jaylin Lane was also carted off with an ankle injury on a kickoff return and ruled out.

Context

Taylor entered the game having scored four rushing touchdowns in his first three games, but he was coming off a quiet Week 3 with just 9.2 PPR points. The Colts have leaned heavily on their running back this season, giving him 66 carries through the first three weeks. Indianapolis’ passing game has struggled with Daniel Jones at quarterback; Jones completed 19 of 34 passes for 143 yards with no touchdowns and an interception on Sunday.

The Commanders were coming off a Week 3 upset of the Seattle Seahawks in which Mariota threw three touchdown passes. They now face uncertainty at quarterback with no word yet on who will start next week against the Giants.

What’s next

The Colts have a tough road stretch ahead, with games at Pittsburgh, Minnesota, and Jacksonville. The Commanders face the Giants next week, and their quarterback situation will likely depend on the health of Daniels and the severity of Mariota’s knee injury.

🏈 Fantasy impact

Taylor is a locked-in RB1. He has scored in every game this season and saw 21 touches despite a negative game script. The Colts’ passing game is not a threat to his volume—it may actually increase it. Start him every week, regardless of matchup.

Mariota’s injury is a blow to the fantasy values of all Commanders pass catchers. He had been serviceable, but Kaliakmanis is a downgrade. However, Kaliakmanis did show arm strength with two long completions, so Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs retain some boom potential. Temper expectations for Washington’s offense until Daniels returns.

Kaliakmanis is worth a speculative add in deep superflex leagues if Mariota misses time, but he is not a recommended start in 1QB formats. The Colts’ defense/special teams remains a solid streaming option with a matchup against the Giants next week.

Quick answers

What happened to Marcus Mariota?

Mariota left the game in the first quarter with a knee injury and did not return. It is reportedly an aggravation of an MCL sprain he sustained in the preseason.

How did Jonathan Taylor perform in the London game?

Taylor ran for two touchdowns and finished with 21 touches for 97 total yards and 22.2 fantasy points.

Who will start at quarterback for the Commanders next week?

It is unclear. Jayden Daniels is out with an elbow injury, and Mariota's knee injury is being evaluated. Athan Kaliakmanis would be the next option.

Sources

  1. Player data (Sleeper)
  2. Fantasy Football: Jonathan Taylor goes off, Commanders lose Marcus Mariota in first London game of 2026 (Yahoo Sports)
  3. Jonathan Taylor and the Colts top Athan Kaliakmanis and the Commanders in London (Yahoo Sports)
  4. Jonathan Taylor and the Colts top Athan Kaliakmanis and the Commanders in London (NBC Sports / ProFootballTalk)
  5. Jonathan Taylor had his touchdown celebrations ready for London (Yahoo Sports)

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