The Washington Commanders will be without star quarterback Jayden Daniels in Week 3, as the reigning Rookie of the Year is out with a knee injury. In his absence, the team will turn to veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota against the Las Vegas Raiders.
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Jayden Daniels Injury Update: Star QB Out For Week 3
Jayden Daniels had what might have been his worst game as a professional prior to his injury. Facing off against a white-hot Green Bay Packers defense, the 2024 second-overall pick finished the night completing 24 of his 41 attempts for just 200 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions while adding just 17 yards on the ground. The injury likely played into this lack of production, and hopefully he can recapture his old form after some time on the sideline.
With Daniels sidelined, the Commanders will place their faith in Marcus Mariota. A fellow second-overall pick, the former Titans quarterback showed promise early in his career before a series of injuries impacted his play in the late 2010s. Mariota last saw extended playing time in 2021 as the primary starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons. Starting and appearing in 13 games, the veteran went 5-8 under then-head coach Arthur Smith while completing 61.3% of his passes for 2,219 yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Since entering the league, the 10-year veteran has gone 34-40 in his 74 starts while completing 63% of his passes for 16,184 yards, 97 touchdowns, and 55 interceptions.
Mariota and the Commanders will face off against Pete Carroll, Geno Smith, and the Las Vegas Raiders. The team played well in their season debut, beating the New England Patriots by a final score of 20-13. They struggled in Week 2, however, as Smith threw three interceptions as the team lost to Justin Herbert, head coach Jim Harbaugh, and the Los Angeles Chargers.
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