Commanders prepare Mariota to start if Daniels sidelined vs Raiders

Washington Commanders backup quarterback Marcus Mariota is prepared to start in Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders if starter Jayden Daniels cannot play due to a sprained left knee. Daniels, who suffered the injury in a loss at Green Bay, did not practice midweek and remains day-to-day, with head coach Dan Quinn emphasizing a cautious approach until Daniels can perform at his usual level. Mariota has experience stepping in for Daniels last season, delivering strong performances including a game-winning touchdown, and has proven capable of leading the offense effectively. If Mariota starts against the Raiders, it will be a chance for him to face his former team, where he played two seasons but had limited opportunities behind Derek Carr. Washington's coaching staff is closely monitoring Daniels' recovery, with a status update expected before the game, but Mariota's readiness offers the team a reliable fallback option. The situation underscores the importance of careful management of Daniels' health while leveraging Mariota’s experience and skill to maintain offensive continuity.