Tag: Marcus Mariota

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels (elbow) out vs. Giants

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the host New York Giants, head coach Dan Quinn announced Wednesday.

Marcus Mariota will draw back in under center for the Commanders (3-10) in place of Daniels, who landed hard on his left elbow during last Sunday’s 31-0 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Daniels previously dislocated his left elbow during a 38-14 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Nov. 2.

Per Quinn, Daniels did not suffer structural damage to the elbow, and the Commanders — who are eliminated from postseason contention — are not talking about shutting him down for the season.

“As far as what decisions are ahead, we haven’t gone down that road,” Quinn said. “He’s working really hard to get back with the guys.”

Mariota replaced Daniels last Sunday and completed 2 of 4 passes for 30 yards and an interception as Washington lost its eighth straight contest.

Mariota, 32, has completed 62.9% of his passes for 1,389 yards with nine touchdowns and seven interceptions in nine games (six starts) this season.

Daniels, 24, has connected on 60.6% of his passes for 1,262 yards with eight touchdowns and three interceptions in seven starts this season.

He threw for 3,568 yards with 25 touchdowns while rushing for 891 yards and six scores last season to earn NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

–Field Level Media

Oct 19, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) looks to pass the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter of the game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels (hamstring) to start vs. Seahawks

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will start their game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday night, coach Dan Quinn said Friday.

Daniels, 24, missed Washington’s 28-7 loss on Monday night to the Kansas City Chiefs because of a right hamstring strain. He was a full practice participant on Wednesday and Thursday.

The second-year quarterback suffered the injury in the third quarter of a 44-22 road loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 19. He also sat out two games earlier this season with a knee sprain sustained in a 27-18 Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers.

“Jayden will be back and we’re pumped about that,” Quinn said.

The 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, Daniels has thrown for 1,031 yards, eight touchdowns and one interception this season with 211 rushing yards and one rushing score.

Marcus Mariota relieved Daniels in the Cowboys game and has started in his place for three games, playing the entire contests against the Las Vegas Raiders, Atlanta Falcons and Chiefs. He is 1-2 as a starter this season.

–Field Level Media

Sep 21, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Injured Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels walks off the field after the Commanders' game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels cleared to practice

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has been medically cleared from his knee injury and will be a full participant in practice on Wednesday, head coach Dan Quinn announced.

Daniels has missed the team’s last two games since sustaining a sprained left knee in the fourth quarter of Washington’s 27-18 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sept. 11. The Commanders (2-2), who split those contests with Marcus Mariota under center, will visit the Los Angeles Chargers (3-1) on Sunday.

“He’ll get all the reps at practice, so will be back at full speed — the execution, the timing, all of that,” Quinn said. “That’s really what I’m looking for, but he’s definitely champing at the bit to get going. So, more just running the offense, being back to himself — that was our discussion today to make sure (he’s getting) all the looks, all the calls, and the speed of the practice.”

Quinn acknowledged that Daniels has been pressing him to get back on the field. He was sporting a brace during Wednesday’s practice session, just like last week.

“It’s good that I’ve known him for a year and a half now,” Quinn said of Daniels. “I think when you’re first getting to know somebody, you’re feeling that out. But knowing what his best looks like and also having trust in one another to do that — I think that’s a big piece of it.”

Quinn also provided a positive statement with respect to injured receivers Terry McLaurin (quad) and Noah Brown (groin, knee) as well as tight end John Bates (calf, groin).

“All are trending up. … We’re making good progress with those guys,” Quinn said.

Daniels, 24, has connected on 59.7 percent of his passes for 433 yards and three TDs with no interceptions this season.

He was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year last season after being selected second overall by the Commanders.

–Field Level Media

Oct 27, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) and quarterback Marcus Mariota (18) talk to each other during the first half against the Chicago Bears at Commanders Field. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Reports: QB Marcus Mariota stays with Commanders on 1-year, $8M deal

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Quarterback Marcus Mariota is staying with the Washington Commanders, multiple outlets reported Wednesday.

His deal is for one year and $8 million, according to NFL Network.

Mariota, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, spent his first five seasons with the Tennessee Titans and has bounced around the league since — two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, then one each in Atlanta, Philadelphia and Washington, largely in a backup role.

Mariota will continue to be a valuable mentor to starting quarterback Jayden Daniels, who was the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2024. Coach Dan Quinn credited Mariota for the assistance he offered the rookie last season, and the two quarterbacks developed a bond.

Now 31, Mariota won the 2014 Heisman Trophy, has appeared in 93 NFL games and is 34-40 as a starter. He’s completed 63 percent of his passes for 16,184 yards with 97 touchdowns and 55 interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Aug 10, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (0) passes during the first quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-Imagn Images

Commanders open practice window for QB Marcus Mariota

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Washington Commanders opened the 21-day practice window for backup quarterback Marcus Mariota on Wednesday.

Mariota has missed the first four weeks of the season while nursing a pectoral injury. Rookie Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, has led the Commanders to a 3-1 start in his absence. Jeff Driskel has been Daniels’ primary backup.

Mariota, 30, signed a one-year, $6 million contract with Washington in the offseason.

Selected by Tennessee with the second overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft, Mariota compiled a 29-32 record as a starter for the Titans from 2015-19 and went 5-8 as the starter for the Atlanta Falcons in 2022.

The 2014 Heisman Trophy winner at Oregon, Mariota has completed 62.7 percent of his passes for 15,820 yards, 93 touchdowns and 55 interceptions in 90 games (74 starts) for the Titans, Las Vegas Raiders (2020-21), Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles.

The Commanders also designated rookie linebacker Jordan Magee and defensive lineman Efe Obada to return to practice on Wednesday.

Magee, 23, was on injured reserve with an ailing knee, while Obada, 32, resided on the reserve/physically unable to perform list.

–Field Level Media

Aug 10, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (0) looks on during the first half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Commanders put QB Marcus Mariota on injured reserve

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Washington Commanders placed quarterback Marcus Mariota on injured reserve Saturday with a chest injury, ensuring he will miss at least the first four games of the season.

The Commanders already had announced that Mariota was set to miss the Commanders’ game against the host Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday after he failed to participate in his second consecutive practice Friday.

Jeff Driskel will step in as the backup to rookie Jayden Daniels against the Buccaneers.

Also on Saturday, the Commanders signed former Notre Dame and Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman off their practice squad.

Mariota, 30, was signed to a one-year, $6 million contract with Washington in the offseason.

Selected by Tennessee with the second overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft, Mariota compiled a 29-32 record as a starter for the Titans from 2015-19 and went 5-8 as the starter for the Atlanta Falcons in 2022.

Mariota completed 15 of 23 passes for 164 yards with one touchdown and one interception in three games as Jalen Hurts’ backup with the Philadelphia Eagles last season.

The 2014 Heisman Trophy winner at Oregon, Mariota has completed 62.7 percent of his passes for 15,820 yards, 93 touchdowns and 55 interceptions in 90 games (74 starts) for the Titans, Las Vegas Raiders (2020-21), Falcons and Eagles.

The Commanders also elevated linebacker Nick Bellore and defensive tackle Sheldon Day from the practice squad to play in Sunday’s game in Tampa Bay.

–Field Level Media

Aug 10, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (0) receives a snap during the first quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-Imagn Images

Commanders rule out QB Marcus Mariota, cut WR Byron Pringle

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Washington Commanders ruled out quarterback Marcus Mariota for the team’s season opener and released wide receiver Byron Pringle on Friday.

Mariota will miss the Commanders’ game against the host Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday after he failed to participate in his second consecutive practice due to chest and pectoral injuries. Jeff Driskel will step in as the backup to rookie Jayden Daniels against the Buccaneers.

Mariota, 30, was signed to a one-year, $6 million contract with Washington in the offseason.

Selected by Tennessee with the second overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft, Mariota compiled a 29-32 record as a starter for the Titans from 2015-19 and went 5-8 as the starter for the Atlanta Falcons in 2022.

Mariota completed 15 of 23 passes for 164 yards with one touchdown and one interception in three games as Jalen Hurts’ backup with the Philadelphia Eagles last season.

The 2014 Heisman Trophy winner at Oregon, Mariota has completed 62.7 percent of his passes for 15,820 yards, 93 touchdowns and 55 interceptions in 90 games (74 starts) for the Titans, Las Vegas Raiders (2020-21), Falcons and Eagles.

Pringle, 30, played all 17 games for the Commanders in 2023 and caught 14 passes for 161 yards.

He has gained 2,431 all-purpose yards and scored 10 touchdowns in 74 career games (13 starts) with the Kansas City Chiefs (2019-21), Chicago Bears (2022) and Commanders.

Undrafted in 2018, Pringle won the Super Bowl LIV championship with the Chiefs.

Also on Friday, the Commanders listed rookie defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton as doubtful to play in the season opener due to a foot injury.

–Field Level Media

Aug 24, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) passes the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Commanders signing QB Marcus Mariota

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Washington Commanders are signing journeyman quarterback Marcus Mariota to a one-year contract, multiple outlets reported Tuesday.

ESPN reported the deal was for $6 million and can climb to $10 million with incentives for Mariota, who stays in the NFC East after spending 2023 with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Mariota, drafted No. 2 overall by Tennessee in 2015, compiled a 29-32 record as a starter for the Titans from 2015-19 and went 5-8 as the starter for the Atlanta Falcons in 2022.

The 30-year-old Mariota completed 15 of 23 passes for 164 yards with one touchdown and one interception in three games as Jalen Hurts’ backup last season.

The 2014 Heisman Trophy winner at Oregon, Mariota has completed 62.7 percent of his passes for 15,820 yards, 93 touchdowns and 55 interceptions in 90 games (74 starts) for the Titans, Las Vegas Raiders (2020-21), Falcons and Eagles.

The Commanders have the No. 2 overall pick in April’s draft and are widely expected to take LSU’s Jayden Daniels, assuming Southern California’s Caleb Williams goes to the Chicago Bears at No. 1.

Sam Howell, 23, finished 4-13 as Washington’s starter last season. The 2022 fifth-round pick led the NFL with 612 pass attempts and also 21 interceptions, throwing for 3,946 yards with 21 touchdowns.

–Field Level Media

Dec 4, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) throws against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Marcus Mariota to have season-ending knee surgery

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith said Wednesday that erstwhile starting quarterback Marcus Mariota will undergo knee surgery next week.

Mariota, 29, will be placed on injured reserve, ending his season.

The announcement caps a bizarre few days for Mariota and the team.

Smith announced Thursday that Desmond Ridder would take over at starting quarterback when the Falcons came out of their bye to play New Orleans in Week 15.

On Monday, it was revealed that Mariota was expected to be placed on IR with a knee injury, but Smith noted that the injury had nothing to do with his decision to promote Ridder, calling it a performance-based decision.

On Tuesday came the news that Mariota left the team after being informed of the demotion, with Smith painting Mariota as a quitter and implying that Mariota used the guise of injury to leave the team.

The knee “is nothing that has been an issue this season, but that’s (Mariota’s) prerogative so …” Smith said. “Of course, you want all your guys to be here, but guys have to make decisions. It’s part of professional sports. You have to have contingency plans.”

But then also Wednesday came the news that Mariota was apparently away from the team for the birth of his baby. However, that didn’t come from Smith or the Falcons. Instead, it was posted by a Falcons fan social media account.

Smith reinforced Wednesday that he was moving to Ridder as starter, regardless of Mariota’s injury.

“I’m not a medical expert, I’m just telling you that it had nothing to do with the decision,” Smith said.

Mariota has passed for 2,219 yards, 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions this season. But he has failed to reach 200 passing yards 10 times, including the past five contests.

Overall, the former No. 2 overall pick in 2015 has passed for 15,656 yards, 92 touchdowns and 54 interceptions in 87 career games (74 starts) with the Titans (2015-19), Las Vegas Raiders (2020-21) and Falcons.

He signed a two-year, $18.75 million deal with Atlanta in the offseason.

Mariota won the Heisman Trophy in 2014 to cap a strong college career at Oregon.

Ridder was Atlanta’s third-round selection (74th overall) in this year’s draft out of Cincinnati.

The Falcons signed former Tennessee Titans practice squad quarterback Logan Woodside to the active 53-man roster. Woodside will be active and serve as the No. 2 quarterback on Sunday and the rest of the season.

–Field Level Media

Jun 14, 2022; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterbacks Desmond Ridder (4) and Marcus Mariota (1) pass on the field during Minicamp at the Falcons Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Falcons QB Marcus Mariota (knee) likely headed to IR

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Quarterback Marcus Mariota is expected to be placed on injured reserve with a knee injury, Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith said Monday.

The move comes after what Smith said was a “performance based decision” to make Mariota the backup and start rookie Desmond Ridder.

“I have a lot of confidence in Des,” Smith said Monday as the Falcons returned from their bye week.

The Falcons (5-8) play the New Orleans Saints (4-9) this week. Ridder played well in the preseason and the third-round pick could nail down the position with a strong finish to the 2022 regular season.

“Obviously where our circumstances are, we talked last time about trying to get over the hump in some of these close games and where we try to push the offense,” Smith said. “We feel like that this is the best decision where he’s at, where the team’s at, as we prepare to go down to New Orleans.”

Mariota was not at the team facility on Monday but undergoing medical testing on his injured knee.

A move to injured reserve would effectively end the season for Mariota with four regular-season games to play, unless the Falcons win the NFC South division to reach the playoffs.

The Falcons signed former Tennessee Titans practice squad quarterback Logan Woodside to the active 53-man roster. Woodside will be active and serve as the No. 2 quarterback on Sunday.

Atlanta is 1-4 in the past five games, but Smith said it was time to turn to Ridder because of his progress over the past month. Smith did not want to make a switch if it meant paring down the offense.

“If I thought we had to restrict him, that wouldn’t be fair to this team,” Smith said.

Mariota is in the first year of a two-year, $18.75 million deal he signed in March as the Falcons moved on from Matt Ryan. He is owed a $3 million roster bonus in March that could invite the Falcons to release him before taking on his $9 million base salary for 2023.

The No. 2 pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Mariota spent five seasons with the Titans and played for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021.

–Field Level Media