Commanders‘ Daniels Out Again, Mariota to Start vs. Falcons; Key Receivers Also Ruled Out
LANDOVER, MD – October 6, 2023 – Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will miss his second consecutive game as he continues to recover from a knee injury sustained in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers. This means veteran Marcus Mariota will once again take the helm under center when the Commanders face the Atlanta Falcons this Sunday.
Daniels participated in limited practices this week, completing individual drills on Wednesday and Thursday. However, he was absent from the portion of Friday’s practice open to the media, signaling he hasn’t yet reached full health. While both Daniels and Head Coach Dan Quinn expressed optimism about the young quarterback’s progress, the team’s medical staff deemed him unfit for contact.
“He’s been working really hard,” Quinn stated, acknowledging Daniels’ dedication to returning to the field.
Mariota proved capable in Daniels’ absence last week, leading the Commanders to a decisive 41-24 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. He accounted for 247 total yards and two touchdowns, solidifying the team’s confidence in his ability to manage the offense. Notably, Mariota will be returning to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, were he served as the Falcons’ starting quarterback for the majority of the 2022 season.
The Commanders’ offensive challenges are compounded by the absence of two key receiving targets. Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) and Noah Brown (groin) have both been ruled out for Sunday’s game. McLaurin suffered his injury while attempting a touchdown catch against the Raiders and hasn’t practiced all week. Brown continues to battle the groin injury that limited him prior to the Las Vegas matchup.
With McLaurin and Brown sidelined, Washington will need to rely on other options in the passing game. Luke McCaffrey, who scored his first career touchdown last week, and veteran Chris Moore will likely see increased targets. The team also hopes to utilize Jaylin Lane, their primary punt returner, as a more versatile offensive weapon.
Potential elevations from the practice squad - Tay Martin, Jacoby Jones, and Ja’Corey Brooks – could also provide additional receiving depth.
Further impacting the team’s availability,tight end John Bates remains out for a second straight week. Percy Butler (secondary/special teams) and Jacory Croskey-Merritt (knee) are listed as questionable for Sunday’s contest.
Keywords: Washington Commanders, Jayden Daniels, marcus Mariota, NFL, Atlanta Falcons, Terry McLaurin, Noah Brown, Injury Report, NFL News, Football.
