Quarterback Jayden Daniels was ruled out for the second consecutive week with a knee injury, pushing former Atlanta starter Marcus Mariota into the lineup for the Washington Commanders against the Falcons on Sunday.
Mariota and head coach Dan Quinn are former Falcons riding into Atlanta with confidence after a victory over the Raiders last week.
Daniels attempted to work back for Week 4. He sustained the injury in the latter stages of Washington’s 27-18 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sept. 11 and sat out last Sunday’s 41-24 victory over the Raiders.
Wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who sustained a quadriceps injury during the third quarter against the Raiders, was also ruled out on Friday.
Daniels wore a brace on the left knee in practice this week and said he didn’t feel pain or discomfort.
Quinn maintained the coaching staff and Daniels would not be involved in any decision about the status of the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year.
“It’s up to the doctors, not my decision,” Daniels said this week.
Mariota stepped up and was an efficient 15 of 21 for 207 yards and a touchdown versus the Raiders. He was 5-8 in 13 starts for the Falcons in 2022.
McLaurin last missed a start since 2020 and has a streak of 72 consecutive games played.
He entered the season with little on-field preparation following a protracted holdout that ended Aug. 25 when he signed a three-year contract extension.
McLaurin, a third-round draft pick in 2019, has 470 career receptions for 6,528 yards and 38 TDs in 100 games.
