Mariota to start for Commanders in Week 3 as Daniels recovers from elbow injury

Marcus Mariota will lead Washington against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3 while Jayden Daniels seeks medical opinions on his dislocated elbow.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is sidelined with a dislocated elbow, and the timeline for his return remains unclear while he gathers medical opinions on treatment. In the meantime, veteran Marcus Mariota will start Sunday's Week 3 home game against the Seattle Seahawks, and he may be under center for additional games beyond that.

Mariota is in his 12th NFL season and has been with Washington since 2024, appearing in 15 games for the franchise. He made eight starts last season, going 2-6 in those outings. As a Commander, he has completed 64% of his passes with 15 touchdowns, seven interceptions, and a 94.3 passer rating.

After a loss to Dallas that dropped Washington to 0-2, Mariota told reporters he is comfortable running offensive coordinator David Blough's scheme. "I feel confident. I feel comfortable," Mariota said. "I really like what Coach Blough is doing. I believe in this system and we'll get this thing right."

With Daniels out, the Commanders will rely on Mariota, whose mobility and playing style are similar enough to Daniels that the offense does not need significant changes while the starter recovers.