Analysis

Mariota's combination of experience, mobility and scheme familiarity makes him a sensible backup for Jayden Daniels, who didn't miss any games during his rookie season but left two contests early (once because of an injury, and once in Week 18). Mariota played well both times, throwing for multiple touchdowns and completing more than 75 percent of his passes without turning the ball over.

Analysis

Mariota never made a start but got the majority of playing time in two regular-season games and led the Commanders to victory both times. He then got two snaps in short-yardage situations during the playoffs, converting one and getting stuffed on the other. The 31-year-old isn't under contract for 2025, but it won't come as any surprise if he re-signs with the Commanders to back up Jayden Daniels again.

Analysis

Mariota played the entire second half of the contest in Week 18, filling in after rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels (leg) was removed from the game as a precaution. The veteran QB played well, leading the Commanders on a touchdown drive immediately after entering the game. With Daniels' injury apparently not serious, it appears that Mariota will return to backup duties when the Commanders visit the Buccaneers for a wild-card round matchup Sunday.

Analysis

Mariota was forced into the game after just one offensive possession after Jayden Daniels (ribs) departed. He led the Commanders' offense effectively, highlighted by a pair of touchdown drives to close the first half and begin the second half. On those two possessions, Mariota combined to complete 10 of 11 passes for 119 yards and a pair of touchdown throws. While he benefitted from a very favorable matchup, Mariota showed a surprising command of the offense in relief. However, he'll face a much tougher test if called upon for a Week 8 matchup against the Bears.

Analysis

Mariota landed on injured reserve just before the season opener due to a chest injury, which was reclassified as a pectoral issue during Week 5 prep after the Commanders designated him for return Wednesday and were required to list him on the practice report. He remained questionable for Sunday even after the team activated him Saturday, but now that he's deemed active, he'll act as the top backup to starting quarterback and rookie sensation Jayden Daniels.

Analysis

It would seem counterintuitive to activate a player off injured reserve and then not play him, especially well within the 21-day practice window, so it seems likely the veteran quarterback is set to operate as the backup come Sunday. Mariota will likely push out Jeff Driskel from the backup spot as a result.

Analysis

Mariota opened the season on injured reserve due to a chest injury. The 30-year-old quarterback has been a full participant in all three practices this week after he was designated to return to practice Wednesday. While he does carry a questionable tag into Sunday's game, Mariota appears to be trending towards being activated off IR and serving as Jayden Daniels' backup. If Mariota is activated off IR, that will likely lead to Sam Hartman being cut from the active roster while Jeff Driskel serves as the third/emergency quarterback.

Analysis

Mariota will have a 21-day window to be evaluated at practice, and Washington can add him back to the 53-man roster at any time during that three-week stretch. Once healthy, Mariota is expected to replace Jeff Driskel as the top backup to rookie signal-caller Jayden Daniels. Mariota was initially placed on injured reserve early in the regular season due to a chest injury sustained during practice.