Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota has been injured since his appearance in the Week 1 preseason game against the New York Jets. On Saturday, one day before the season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Commanders placed Mariota on injured reserve.
Mariota missed practice on Thursday and Friday, with the team ruling him out for Sunday’s game. Veteran Jeff Driskel will serve as rookie Jayden Daniels’ backup. In another corresponding move, Washington promoted rookie quarterback Sam Hartman from the practice squad.
Mariota must remain on IR for at least four weeks.
On Friday, head coach Dan Quinn said the following about Mariota’s injury:
“Yes. So, I would say he strained a pec, his chest, and so I would say right now he’s unlikely,” Quinn said.
Mariota played one series against the Jets. Shortly after, the Commanders officially named Daniels the starting quarterback, which was the plan once coaches believed Daniels had earned it.
In other moves, the Commanders also elevated defensive tackle Sheldon Day and linebacker Nick Bellore from the practice squad. Both are veterans, and Bellore will be promoted for his work on special teams.
Washington and Tampa Bay are scheduled for a 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium.