Jayden Daniels injury update: Marcus Mariota addresses if he'll start in week 8 vs. Bears

Washington Commanders (5-2) quarterback Marcus Mariota said he has “no idea” if he will be starting in place of the injured Jayden Daniels in next Sunday’s Week 8 home matchup against the Chicago Bears (4-2).

“I have no idea but if I had to guess, the kid’s unbelievably tough but if they need me, I’ll do my best,” Mariota told Evan Washburn of CBS Sports on Sunday after Washington’s 40-7 Week 7 home victory over the Carolina Panthers (1-6).

"When you have a brotherhood like this, you'll find ways to win."

– Marcus Mariota only wanted to heap praise on his teammates following the @Commanders win | @EvanWashburn pic.twitter.com/vjWlG7bGy3

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) October 20, 2024

Daniels suffered what appeared to be a rib injury in the first quarter as he was in noticeable discomfort after Washington’s first drive, holding his midsection. He went into the blue medical tent to receive further evaluation and came out frustrated, slamming his helmet on the sideline as he walked back into the locker room. Daniels underwent x-rays in the locker room and will receive further evaluation on Monday, head coach Dan Quinn said.

“I cannot give an update on Jayden, but I will just as soon as we find out, do some further tests tomorrow,” Quinn said. “Then when we get together in the afternoon, we’ll give you an update. But I don’t have anything for everybody else asking the same thing. Same answer, so just wanted to make sure I was super clear on that.”

Marcus Mariota fills in for Jayden Daniels, leads Commanders to blowout victory over Panthers

Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has been the key to Washington’s emergence as one of the best offenses in the league this season. Daniels has thrown for 1,410 yards, six touchdowns, two interceptions and a league-leading 75% passing.

The Commanders’ offensive onslaught continued Sunday without Daniels in the lineup. Mariota, the 30-year-old journeyman, completed 18-of-23 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns. He added 34 yards on the ground.

The offense did not skip a beat with Mariota under center, which he credited to the “awesome group of guys” around him.

“These guys are unbelievable,” Mariota said. “We got an awesome group of guys that just believe in each other, and they made play after play. I just did my best to give them a chance.”