Commanders HC makes Marcus Mariota announcement amid Jayden Daniels' injury

1 week ago 18

The Washington Commanders lost their Week 2 matchup to the Dallas Cowboys, but the worst thing from the loss was the injury to Jayden Daniels, who dislocated his left elbow and is expected to miss some time.

While the exact specifics of his absence aren't yet known, it's clear Daniels will be out for a while. Taking his place in that Week 2 loss was Marcus Mariota. So, with Daniels likely out for a while, the Week 3 QB decision shouldn't be a surprise.

According to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic, Commanders head coach Dan Quinn shared the news that, as expected following Daniels' injury, Mariota will be the Week 3 starter.

Commanders name Marcus Mariota Week 3 starting QB

"Marcus Mariota will start," Jhabvala shared on Twitter/x from Quinn's press conference on Monday after Daniels' injury.

The 0-2 Commanders will be handing the keys to the offense over to Mariota for their Week 3 matchup in the home opener.

Unfortunately, it's about the toughest draw Mariota could get. The Commanders face the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3, with the Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants next on their schedule during this three-game homestand.

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With Daniels' future uncertain, it's possible Mariota is the starter throughout the duration of this homestand. Taking over for Daniels in Week 2, Mariota wasn't that bad. He went 11-for-16 for 11 yards and one touchdown with no turnovers or sacks.

Last season, when Mariota took over for Daniels, he had a 61.2 completion percentage with 1,695 yards passing and 10 touchdowns with seven interceptions and 16 sacks taken. He also ran the ball 50 times for 297 yards and one touchdown.

Mariota isn't a bad backup. But the Commanders will unfortunately have to use him for the second season in a row. The time he'll spend as the starter isn't known, but at least for Week 3, Mariota will be leading this offense against a tough Seahawks defense.