Marcus Mariota again in beginning position as Commanders collide with Raiders

The overwhelming majority of the thrill main as much as this week’s recreation between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Commanders surrounded Washington’s main man.

Reigning Offensive Rookie of the Yr Jayden Daniels (knee) will probably be relegated to the Commanders’ sideline with Marcus Mariota stepping in for his seventy fifth profession regular-season begin. Daniels tried to work his approach again to the lineup and threw each day earlier than including velocity work on Friday, however head coach Dan Quinn mentioned the Commanders are choosing the protected route with their franchise quarterback.

“We mentioned originally that we had been going to be very diligent on his return to play and be sure that we did not miss any steps,” Quinn mentioned. “So we will be good, not simply quick. He is a participant that desires to do all the pieces on a regular basis. That is who he’s as a competitor, which I really like. However that is how we’ll roll.”

Daniels will miss his first NFL begin because the Commanders (1-1) tackle the Raiders (1-1) Sunday afternoon in Landover, Md., the place Mariota is in for a reunion vibe. He performed for the Raiders and the Las Vegas offensive coordinator is Chip Kelly, Mariota’s school coach at Oregon.

“Anytime he is requested to play or apply and even on scout staff, he is been phenomenal,” Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury mentioned. “So, he treats it like a professional as a pacesetter on the staff regardless of not being the starter, which is tough to do and may’t say sufficient good issues about him. So, if he has to go, I am positive he will probably be prepared.”

Daniels suffered a knee sprain in a 27-18 loss to the Inexperienced Bay Packers final Thursday. Daniels didn’t apply Wednesday however did bear a rehab session and do some throwing. Mariota missed most of coaching camp and did not play within the preseason as a result of Achilles tendinitis and admits he isn’t the scramble danger he was in Kelly’s offense 11 years in the past.

Daniels was sacked seven instances within the first two video games and the Commanders’ struggling go safety faces one other robust go rush with Maxx Crosby and the Raiders coming to city. Las Vegas has six sacks in two video games.

Mariota, 31, performed in three video games off the bench final season for the Commanders. When Daniels exited the Week 7 recreation in opposition to the Carolina Panthers with a rib damage, Mariota led Washington to a 40-7 victory, finishing 18 of 23 go makes an attempt for 205 yards and two touchdowns. For the season, he accomplished 34 of 44 passes for 364 yards and 4 touchdowns.

The Raiders familiarity with Mariota from his time with the group in 2020-21 allowed the workers to separate time making ready for each quarterbacks. Carroll admitted he anticipated Daniels could be the starter.

“We now have loads of background about Marcus on the workers, so we all know what his capabilities are, we predict,” Carroll mentioned.

The Commanders misplaced operating again Austin Ekeler (Achilles) and defensive finish Deatrich Clever Jr. (quad) for the season after each suffered accidents in opposition to the Packers. Rookie operating again Jacory Croskey-Merritt, a seventh-round rookie who impressed in preseason, is anticipated to start out on Sunday.

The Raiders, 20-9 losers to the visiting Los Angeles Chargers Monday evening, want to jump-start their offense. They’re averaging 14.5 factors per recreation, second fewest within the league.

Geno Smith completed 24-of-43 passing for 180 yards, threw three picks and was sacked 3 times in opposition to Los Angeles. Operating again Ashton Jeanty has 81 yards on 30 carries (2.7 yards per carry) and one landing in two video games.

Tight finish Brock Bowers (knee) didn’t apply till final Saturday and had 5 catches for 38 yards in opposition to the Chargers. He was focused eight instances and must be extra of an element on Sunday.

“I believe you see we had been simply making an attempt to get him on the market and get him taking part in and he appeared OK,” Carroll mentioned. “We received to him within the second half extra, however we actually want him. We want him being energetic all through the sport.”

Trying to enhance their go rush with Clever out, the Commanders added veteran edge rusher Preston Smith on Wednesday. A second-round decide in 2015, Smith spent 4 seasons in Washington earlier than shifting on to Inexperienced Bay. The 32-year-old, who performed for the Packers and Steelers final season, has 70.5 sacks in his 10-year profession.

“I am a man who is aware of the right way to get to the quarterback,” Smith mentioned. “I am a man who’s versatile … who can be utilized in any approach. I could be an asset to this protection and this staff total.”

One benefit Washington has Sunday is relaxation. The Commanders final performed on Thursday, Sept. 11. The Raiders performed the second recreation of Monday evening’s NFL doubleheader and can journey throughout the nation on brief relaxation.

Washington cornerback Jonathan Jones, who suffered a hamstring damage in opposition to Inexperienced Bay, was positioned on injured reserve this week and can miss a minimal of 4 video games. Huge receiver Noah Brown (groin, knee) and tight finish John Bates (groin) had been dominated out Friday.

The Raiders’ solely damage concern is cornerback Decamerion Richardson, who’s questionable with a hamstring difficulty.

–Discipline Stage Media