Commanders Rely on Mariota to Start vs Raiders Amid Daniels' Knee Injury Uncertainty

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is sidelined with a left knee sprain, ruling him out for the Week 3 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Daniels, the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and a key player for the Commanders, has missed multiple practices this week due to the injury, which MRI scans show has no major structural damage but requires cautious management. Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota is expected to start in Daniels' place, marking his first NFL start since 2022. Mariota has been preparing with the first-team offense and has been praised for his leadership despite limited playing time this season. Both teams, currently 1-1, are preparing for the game with uncertainty about Daniels' status, but the Raiders are ready to face either quarterback. Washington's head coach Dan Quinn emphasized a careful approach to Daniels' recovery, balancing the urgency to return with the need for full readiness in movement and mobility.