The Washington Commanders have ruled out quarterback Jayden Daniels for their Week 3 matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Daniels, who suffered a knee injury against the Green Bay Packers in Week 2, was a limited participant on Friday after being held out of practice on Wednesday and Thursday. Backup Marcus Mariota will start in Daniels' place, head coach Dan Quinn confirmed during his Friday press conference.
"I said at the beginning that we were going to be very diligent on his return to play to make sure we didn't miss any steps," Quinn said. "We're gonna be smart, not just fast."
Quinn said on Monday that he would need to see Daniels show that he has the strength and ability to change direction in practice before clearing him to play on Sunday. There were positive signs; he threw every day and had a good rehab process but wasn't quite where he needed to be before being thrown in a game scenario.
Daniels' Friday workload consisted primarily of speed work, which includes linear running, and throwing, Quinn said. It's a good step towards getting ready to play, but Daniels still wasn't quite where he needed to be. Daniels is "out on the grass," though, which Quinn views as a good sign.
"We're definitely encouraged about where the progress is being made," Quinn said. "I can say he is making good progress."
Mariota will make his first start since the 2022 season, when he was the Atlanta Falcons' starting quarterback, against the team he played for in 2020-21. Mariota played in relief for Daniels in two games last season, completing 77.3% of his passes for 364 yards and four touchdowns while leading the Commanders to two victories.
Mariota's performances in those matchups were some of the best in his career, with his 95.9 QBR against the Dallas Cowboys being tied for his third best in 10 years. He has operated as the starter all week with his teammates and coaches showing support that he can handle the role.
"If called upon, we would certainly expect Marcus to deliver in the fashion that he does," head coach Dan Quinn said Wednesday. "He has been like a real standard as a Commander, player [and] teammate in elite ways."
Wide receiver Noah Brown (groin/knee) and John Bates (groin) were also ruled out for Sunday's game. All other injured players, including Trey Amos, Brandon Coleman, Jeremy McNichols and Colson Yankoff, will be available.
