In Week 2, the commander lost 27-18 to the Packers in football on Thursday night. Washington lost two players to Green Bay and season-ending injuries.
On top of that, QB Jaden Daniels suffered from a knee sprain with the Packers. He had limited practice all week. Manager Dan Quinn announced Friday that Daniels will not play in week three. His first start since the 2022 season.
Marcus Mariota starts in week 3 for Washington’s commander
Official: Commander HC Dan Quinn said Marcus Mariota will start Sunday compared to the Raiders. pic.twitter.com/mwnepmbo1z
-Adam Scha After (@adamscha after) September 19, 2025
During the 2024 NFL Draft, the commander used the second overall pick to select Jayden Daniels from LSU. As a rookie, Daniels led Washington to a 12-5 record when he ran Washington to the NFC Championship Game. He was named the AP offensive Rookie of the Year, proving he is the team’s franchise QB. Jayden Daniels started all 17 games for the Commander in 2024. Just two weeks after the 2025 season, Daniels suffered a knee injury.
Washington plays a weaker opponent in week three, and the team plays cautiously with star quarterback. Jaden Daniels was ruled out in Week 3 and the Raiders. Dan Quinn announced that Marcus Mariota will start for the Commander. The veteran QB is second in his 11th professional season with Washington. Mariota appeared in three games last season.
Jayden Daniels misses week 3 with a knee injury
Marcus Mariota launches the Raiders and Raiders pic.twitter.com/meyxg4bk9j
– Bleacher Report (@bleacherreport) September 19, 2025
The 31-year-old QB last began in week 13 of 2022 for the Falcons. Marcus Mariota was eventually benched for the final four games of that season. He has been an NFL backup ever since. In Falcon’s 13 starts during the 2022 season, Mariota threw 2,219 yards, 15 passing touchdowns and nine interceptions. He added 85 carries for 438 yards and four rushing touchdowns.
As they move forward, the commander remains optimistic about Jaden Daniels’ knee sprain. Coach Dan Quinn was encouraged to see Daniels pitching in practice. Additionally, Daniels acquired a restricted ability on Friday. He won’t play in week 3, but Daniels managed to return to week 4 and the Falcons. If Daniels misses the long term time, it will primarily affect the chances of making the Washington playoffs. They are 1-1-2 weeks. Will Marcus Mariota be able to lead the Commander to victory at home in Week 3 and the Raiders?
