The Washington Commanders have officially ruled out quarterback Jayden Daniels for their upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Daniels injured his knee during the match against the Green Bay Packers in Week 2. Although he participated in limited practice on Friday, he missed training on Wednesday and Thursday. Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that Marcus Mariota will start in Daniels’ place.
“We want to be careful with his comeback,” Quinn said. “It’s not just about rushing him back.” He emphasized the importance of ensuring Daniels has the strength and mobility needed to play safely.
This week, Daniels focused on speed drills and throwing, showing some improvement but not enough to be game-ready. Quinn noted, “He’s making progress, and it’s encouraging to see him on the field.” Although there’s positive movement, they’re taking a cautious approach.
Marcus Mariota will step into the starter role for the first time since the 2022 season when he was with the Atlanta Falcons. He’s faced the Raiders before, having played for them in 2020-21. Last season, in relief of Daniels, he threw 364 yards and secured four touchdowns in just two games.
His performance statistics reveal his potential, with a QBR of 95.9 against the Cowboys—one of his best in ten years. His teammates and coaches have shown great confidence in his ability to lead the team this week.
“If he’s called upon, we expect Mariota to perform well,” Quinn stated. “He sets a strong example as a player and teammate.”
Additionally, wide receiver Noah Brown (groin/knee) and John Bates (groin) won’t be playing on Sunday. However, other injured players like Trey Amos and Jeremy McNichols will be available for the game.
As teams adapt to key injuries, stats show that backup quarterbacks often influence outcomes. For example, in previous seasons, teams with effective backups still managed to win a notable percentage of games despite losing their starters. Mariota’s past performances suggest he might continue this trend.
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