Add another one to the list of NFL teams starting a backup quarterback in Week 3.
Washington Commanders coach Dan Quinn confirmed Friday, Sept. 19 that Marcus Mariota will start for the team on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders, per multiple reports.
Starter and reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels injured his knee during the team’s ‘Thursday Night Football’ loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 2.
Even with the extended rest time, Daniels has not recovered enough to start on Sunday.
Mariota last started an NFL game in 2022 for the Atlanta Falcons. He went 5-8 in 13 starts for the Falcons that season, the last of which was a 19-16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He played in three games each in 2023 and 2024 for the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington, respectively, but none of those were starts.
Mariota completed 34 of 44 passes for 364 yards and four touchdowns and added 18 carries for 92 rushing yards and a touchdown last year for Washington.
Commanders QB depth chart
The franchise is relying on veteran help behind their young franchise quarterback. Here’s how the active roster looks ahead of Week 3 against the Raiders:
Jayden Daniels (injured)
Marcus Mariota
Josh Johnson