Marcus Mariota signed with the Washington Commanders primarily as a backup quarterback and mentor to Jayden Daniels, but the veteran is showing he’s still got skills on the football field.
Mariota came on to replaced Daniels, who suffered a rib injury late in the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. He began to find a rhythm after a slow start, and led the Commanders on an impressive two-minute drive that he finished with a 12-yard touchdown pass to tight end Zach Ertz late in the second quarter.
Mariota, who signed a one-year deal worth up to $6 million with the Commanders in March, completed 5-of-6 passes for 75 yards and the touchdown during the drive that began at the Washington 8 with 2:22 remaining in the second quarter.
The Commanders said Daniels, who has been sensational during the first six games of the season, was questionable to return. Daniels’ mother, Regina Jackson, provided an update on his injury on social media.
Daniels emerged from the locker room in street clothes for the second half.
