Marcus Mariota back in starting role as Commanders collide with Raiders

The vast majority of the buzz leading up to this week's game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Commanders surrounded Washington's leading man.

Reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels (knee) will be relegated to the Commanders' sideline with Marcus Mariota stepping in for his 75th career regular-season start. Daniels attempted to work his way back to the lineup and threw daily before adding speed work on Friday, but head coach Dan Quinn said the Commanders are opting for the safe route with their franchise quarterback.

"We said at the beginning that we were going to be very diligent on his return to play and make sure that we didn't miss any steps," Quinn said. "So we're going to be smart, not just fast. He's a player that wants to do everything all the time. That's who he is as a competitor, which I love. But that's how we'll roll."

Daniels will miss his first NFL start as the Commanders (1-1) take on the Raiders (1-1) Sunday afternoon in Landover, Md., where Mariota is in for a reunion vibe. He played for the Raiders and the Las Vegas offensive coordinator is Chip Kelly, Mariota's college coach at Oregon.

"Anytime he's asked to play or practice or even on scout team, he's been phenomenal," Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said. "So, he treats it like a pro as a leader on the team despite not being the starter, which is hard to do and can't say enough good things about him. So, if he has to go, I'm sure he will be ready."

Daniels suffered a knee sprain in a 27-18 loss to the Green Bay Packers last Thursday. Daniels did not practice Wednesday but did undergo a rehab session and do some throwing. Mariota missed most of training camp and didn't play in the preseason due to Achilles tendinitis and admits he's not the scramble risk he was in Kelly's offense 11 years ago.

Daniels was sacked seven times in the first two games and the Commanders' struggling pass protection faces another strong pass rush with Maxx Crosby and the Raiders coming to town. Las Vegas has six sacks in two games.

Mariota, 31, played in three games off the bench last season for the Commanders. When Daniels exited the Week 7 game against the Carolina Panthers with a rib injury, Mariota led Washington to a 40-7 victory, completing 18 of 23 pass attempts for 205 yards and two touchdowns. For the season, he completed 34 of 44 passes for 364 yards and four touchdowns.

The Raiders familiarity with Mariota from his time with the organization in 2020-21 allowed the staff to split time preparing for both quarterbacks. Carroll admitted he expected Daniels would be the starter.

"We have a lot of background about Marcus on the staff, so we know what his capabilities are, we think," Carroll said.

The Commanders lost running back Austin Ekeler (Achilles) and defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. (quad) for the season after both suffered injuries against the Packers. Rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, a seventh-round rookie who impressed in preseason, is expected to start on Sunday.

The Raiders, 20-9 losers to the visiting Los Angeles Chargers Monday night, are looking to jump-start their offense. They are averaging 14.5 points per game, second fewest in the league.

Geno Smith finished 24-of-43 passing for 180 yards, threw three picks and was sacked three times against Los Angeles. Running back Ashton Jeanty has 81 yards on 30 carries (2.7 yards per carry) and one touchdown in two games.

Tight end Brock Bowers (knee) did not practice until last Saturday and had five catches for 38 yards against the Chargers. He was targeted eight times and should be more of a factor on Sunday.

"I think you see we were just trying to get him out there and get him playing and he looked OK," Carroll said. "We got to him in the second half more, but we really need him. We need him being active throughout the game."

Looking to boost their pass rush with Wise out, the Commanders added veteran edge rusher Preston Smith on Wednesday. A second-round pick in 2015, Smith spent four seasons in Washington before moving on to Green Bay. The 32-year-old, who played for the Packers and Steelers last season, has 70.5 sacks in his 10-year career.

"I'm a guy who knows how to get to the quarterback," Smith said. "I'm a guy who's versatile ... who can be used in any way. I can be an asset to this defense and this team overall."

One advantage Washington has Sunday is rest. The Commanders last played on Thursday, Sept. 11. The Raiders played the second game of Monday night's NFL doubleheader and will travel across the country on short rest.

Washington cornerback Jonathan Jones, who suffered a hamstring injury against Green Bay, was placed on injured reserve this week and will miss a minimum of four games. Wide receiver Noah Brown (groin, knee) and tight end John Bates (groin) were ruled out Friday.

The Raiders' only injury concern is cornerback Decamerion Richardson, who's questionable with a hamstring issue.

--Field Level Media