Mariota set to start for Commanders while Daniels elbow timetable remains open

Marcus Mariota is set to start for Washington against Seattle on Sunday while the Commanders continue to evaluate Jayden Daniels’ dislocated left elbow. Daniels did not participate in Wednesday’s practice, according to the team’s first Week 3 injury report. The club has not announced how long he will be out.

Daniels was injured against Dallas when he was hit near the goal line just before halftime. Mariota replaced him and completed 11 of 16 passes for 111 yards and a touchdown to Stefon Diggs, according to the Commanders’ Wednesday practice notes. Washington lost 37-20, but the offense gained 154 yards with Mariota under center.

The immediate roster question is how Washington manages the quarterback room while it waits for more medical information. The Commanders said they had not yet discussed bringing in another veteran quarterback. Their preseason roster also included Athan Kaliakmanis behind Daniels and Mariota, but Wednesday’s account did not announce any new signing or injured-reserve move. Daniels’ absence on the first report is a practice status, not a final game designation or a return schedule.

Mariota is a familiar substitute for this group. He started eight games while Daniels dealt with injuries last season. Coach Dan Quinn praised his command of the offense Wednesday, and the team said it expects Mariota to be under center for the home game against the Seahawks. That continuity matters to a Washington offense now preparing on a short timetable without its usual starter. It does not establish how long Mariota will remain in the role.

Seattle’s own quarterback situation is not settled either. Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said Sam Darnold would ramp up in practice after missing last week’s game with a glute injury, with an availability decision expected later in the week. The Sunday matchup can therefore change on both sides as the next practice reports arrive.

For roster planners, the next hard signals are Washington’s Thursday and Friday participation reports and any formal quarterback transaction. As of Wednesday evening, the confirmed picture is Daniels sidelined, Mariota preparing to start, and no public timetable for Daniels’ return.