Insider 'would not be surprised' to see Marcus Mariota start for Commanders

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has been fighting a losing battle in his attempts to overcome a knee sprain suffered against the Green Bay Packers in time to suit up in Week 3.

With Daniels listed as day-to-day early in the week, the fact that he hasn't practiced and we are at Thursday, isn't a good omen for his status on Sunday.

Plus, backup Marcus Mariota has taken media duties this week, which some think is a sign that Daniels won't take his place against the Las Vegas Raiders.

And now comes NFL Network's Ian Rapoport with an update on Daniels, and it appears things are trending in one direction.

“Jayden Daniels has not practiced yet for the Washington Commanders,” Rapoport said. “Missed Wednesday, missed today, we’ll see if he's able to go Friday, dealing with that knee sprain. Would not be surprised at all if Marcus Mariota got the start.”

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Mariota firming as starter vs. Raiders

Given that Daniels hasn't practiced, Mariota has been getting all of the first-team reps this week in Kliff Kingsbury's offense, so that will put him in good standing if he is to get his first start of the year.

We feel that, given Jayden hasn't been on the field this week, it is clear Washington might not have any plans for Jayden to even try and see if he can go. New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn stated that if players haven't practiced by Friday, that tells him a lot, and we are at that stage with Daniels.

There is no sense in rushing him to try and practice on Friday, so Washington fans, get set for some Mariota magic on Sunday against the Raiders.

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