Total Pro Sports
Just when things were all going well for the Washington Commanders, a new problem hit out of nowhere.
Marcus Mariota, the veteran quarterback brought in to make up for Jayden Daniels’ absence, is officially out of the Commanders’ preseason opener. A mild lower leg strain will keep him off the field Friday night when Washington takes on the New England Patriots. Head coach Dan Quinn doesn’t think it is severe, but confirmed the news Tuesday.
Mariota’s absence comes at an awkward time. Daniels, the expected Week 1 starter, won’t play either, as Quinn wants to ease him in gradually. That means Washington will turn to either Josh Johnson or Sam Hartman to handle quarterback duties against the Patriots.
With both Mariota and Daniels sidelined, the Commanders’ quarterback situation suddenly looks a bit tough, at least for Friday. Josh Johnson, who’s suited up for nearly half the league, brings experience. But Hartman brings curiosity for everyone. One of them will now lead the offense against a good Patriots defense.
Marcus Mariota dealing with lower leg strain, not with Commanders for Foxborough triphttps://t.co/St2xFQUHNN pic.twitter.com/bhCrJYYmN0
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) August 6, 2025
Behind the scenes, the situation feels a bit tense. Mariota wasn’t expected to play a huge role this season, but he was supposed to be the safety net for Daniels. If his strain lingers, Washington Commanders’ backup spot might be wide open again.
And that’s not the only problem.
The front office is still trying to manage the drama surrounding wide receiver Terry McLaurin. The star wideout requested a trade last week, frustrated over contract talks. He wants a raise on his $16 million salary. The team doesn’t want to let him go.
Quinn admitted the request caught his attention.
“(Terry) let me know that (requesting a trade) was happening, too. So I definitely appreciate that” Quinn said. “We also understand there’s the business side of this thing. Adam and his side and Terry and his reps are working it through just kind of stay in that space
Despite trade scene and a few calls, the Commanders aren’t looking to move him. They want him on the field, and soon.
Between the quarterback uncertainty and the McLaurin situation, the pressure is already there. Not the smoothest way to start a new era under Quinn, but that’s life in the NFL.
