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2h ago

Mariota to Start for Commanders After Jayden Daniels Ruled Out With Knee Sprain

Washington signals a cautious, long-term plan for its franchise quarterback following a knee sprain.

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Head coach Dan Quinn of the Washington Commanders stands on the sidelines during the national anthem prior to the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Detroit Lions, at Ford Field on January 18, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.
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Overview

  • Head coach Dan Quinn ruled Daniels out on Friday, noting he threw and did restricted running but was "not there all the way yet," with ESPN reporting he "wasn't even close" for Week 3 and his Week 4 status still uncertain.
  • Veteran Marcus Mariota gets the nod against the Raiders, with coaches expressing full confidence based on his grasp of Kliff Kingsbury’s scheme and effective relief work last season.
  • Washington is reshuffling protection, inserting Andrew Wylie at right guard to stabilize a right side that has struggled as Daniels absorbed seven sacks through two games; the Raiders bring six sacks led by Maxx Crosby.
  • Injury attrition deepens as running back Austin Ekeler (Achilles) and defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. (quad) are out for the season, and tight end John Bates plus wide receiver Noah Brown were ruled out for Sunday.
  • Team voices stress avoiding an RGIII-type mistake in handling Daniels’ recovery, a stance publicly praised by Robert Griffin III as prioritizing the quarterback’s long-term health.