Commanders Face Quarterback Dilemma vs Buccaneers?
The Washington Commanders are dealing with unexpected injury concerns heading into their Week 1 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The biggest surprise from Thursday’s practice was the absence of backup quarterback Marcus Mariota. After being limited in practice on Wednesday due to a chest injury, Mariota did not participate at all on Thursday, raising doubts about his availability for the season opener. Mariota’s preseason has been marked by unusual
circumstances. Initially suffering a groin injury, the veteran quarterback played only one series in the preseason opener against the New York Jets and did not appear in the subsequent games. His recent chest injury, which surfaced over the past two days, has added another layer of uncertainty. The team has yet to clarify the severity of Mariota’s injury, but his absence from practice is a cause for concern. Head coach Dan Quinn highlighted the significance of Mariota’s experience and
leadership for the Commanders, particularly in mentoring rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. “In a perfect scenario, a young quarterback would have a leader to learn from, but perfect rarely happens,” said Quinn. “We do have that in Marcus Mariota. Him sharing nine years of experience with Jayden has been invaluable for us.” If Mariota is unable to suit up on Sunday, the Commanders will likely activate third-string quarterback Jeff Driskel as
Daniels’ backup. This situation underscores the critical role Mariota plays not just on the field but also in the development of Daniels. The rookie quarterback, who impressed during the preseason with his composure and strong decision-making, will need to lean on the lessons imparted by Mariota as he takes on the starting role.
