The Washington Commanders have ruled quarterback Jayden Daniels out for the second straight week, meaning backup Marcus Mariota will start against the Atlanta Falcons.
Daniels, who has been dealing with a knee injury since the Week 2 matchup against the Green Bay Packers, returned to practice in a limited capacity this week. He was seen working through individual drills on Wednesday and Thursday but was not on the field during the portion of Friday's practice that was open to the media.
Daniels said at the podium that he felt "good," and head coach Dan Quinn said that Daniels has been working "really hard" to get healthy enough for a return to the field. However, the medical staff has not seen enough to fully clear the quarterback for contact.
Mariota performed well in Daniels' place against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3, accounting for 247 total yards and two touchdowns in a 41-24 win. The team showed confidence in Mariota throughout the week heading into the game, and that faith has not wavered over the last few days. He will return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where he was the Falcons' starting quarterback for most of the 2022 season.
The Commanders will also be without two of their top receivers, as Terry McLaurin (quad) and Noah Brown (groin) have also been ruled out. McLaurin injured himself while diving for a touchdown against the Raiders. McLaurin was listed as questionable for the rest of the game and did not return. He has not practiced all week and was not seen on the field Friday. Brown is still dealing with the same injury that hindered him leading into the Raiders game.
McLaurin and Brown's absences mean the Commanders will need to look to other options in the passing game. Luke McCaffrey scored the first touchdown of his career last week against the Raiders and was second on the team with three receptions for 56 yards. Veteran Chris Moore had two catches for 25 yards but also had a 34-yard pickup against the New York Giants. Jaylin Lane, the team's primary punt return option, has three receptions for 11 yards on eight targets, but the team has confidence he can be a more versatile weapon in the offense.
There are also the three players on Washington's practice squad -- Tay Martin, Jacoby Jones and Ja'Corey Brooks -- who could be elevated to the gameday roster.
The Commanders will also be without tight end John Bates for a second straight week. Percy Butler, who provided depth in the secondary in addition to special teams value, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who has been dealing with a knee injury, are questionable for Sunday's game.
