Washington Commanders' star quarterback Jayden Daniels popped up on the injury report earlier this week, putting into question his availability for the Commanders' week 3 matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Daniels was not seen at practice throughout the week, signaling that his knee sprain was not improving at a pace that would allow him to play on Sunday.
On Friday morning, head coach Dan Quinn made the final decision on the Commanders quarterback, and it won't be Daniels on Sunday. Starting in his place will be veteran Marcus Mariota, according to Adam Schefter.
Marcus Mariota Gets The Start Against Raiders
Daniels popped up on the Commanders injury report with a knee sprain earlier in the week, and now he will be forced to sit out against the Raiders in week 3.
Mariota, who is a former second-overall pick and Heisman Trophy winner, will start in his place. The former Oregon Duck started his career with the Tennessee Titans, playing five years and accumulating more than 13,000 passing yards and 76 touchdowns.
Zach Ertz is confident in Marcus Mariota if he has to start on Sunday
— All-Pro Reels (@allproreels) September 18, 2025
“He’s seen all the looks, he knows exactly what he’s going against. He knows how to prepare.” pic.twitter.com/Z8TNXhhTlP
For the last five years, Mariota has bounced around four different teams as a backup quarterback. Although Mariota never lived up to the No. 2 overall pick he was drafted to be, his college career was phenomenal.
The Ducks' quarterback threw for 10,796 yards and 105 touchdowns during his three-year Oregon career. In his 2014 junior year, Mariota led the Pac-12 in passing yards, touchdowns, yards per completion and won the Heisman Trophy.
Although Mariota never turned into a top quarterback in the NFL, the veteran has established a reliable backup role in his career. The former Duck has shown poise and consistency the last couple years when his numbers been called, completing more than 65 percent of his passes and throwing five touchdowns compared to just one interception.
Now official: Commanders HC Dan Quinn said Marcus Mariota will start Sunday versus the Raiders. pic.twitter.com/MwNEPmBo1z
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 19, 2025
It won't be Daniels on the field for the Commanders against the Raiders, but Mariota does bring a similar, dual threat play style, and his veteran presence is the perfect demeanor for his role.
With Daniels sidelined, Mariota will make his first start for the Commanders on Sunday and his 75th career start, in his 10th year in the NFL.