Commanders Announce QB Shift in Writing.
Before their much awaited Week 6 meeting with the Baltimore Ravens, the Washington Commanders are riding high. With a 4-1 record, the Commanders, led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, are first in the NFC East.
Marcus Mariota, a seasoned backup quarterback, was signed by the team, and while Daniels looks to be the franchise quarterback Washington has been looking for, he has completed 77.1% of his throws for 1,135 yards and four touchdowns in addition to 363 rushing yards and two more scores.
But the organization moved Sam Hartman, who was Jeff Driskel’s backup, to the active roster as the team’s third baseman after Mariota was placed on injured reserve (IR) prior to the start of the season. Mariota was placed on injured reserve, but it was unknown how the veteran quarterback would fit into the quarterbacks’ room until the Commanders’ Week 5 game against the Cleveland Browns.
#Commanders released QB Sam Hartman. pic.twitter.com/Xxmrk7luIX
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 10, 2024
But with 12:45 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Commanders benched Daniels in favor of Mariota as they thrashed the Browns 34–13. Mariota completed 1-of-3 throws for -2 yards, so nothing really noteworthy, but the Commanders officially switched quarterbacks prior to Week 6.
On October 10, the Commanders benched Hartman, allowing Mariota to return to the starting lineup at quarterback. Driskel is still with the Commanders, but there’s a good chance Hartman, a former Notre Dame undrafted free agency, signs on again to the practice squad.
Before the Commanders head to Baltimore this weekend, all eyes will continue to be on Daniels. Daniels took issue with the comparison between the No. 2 overall pick and his opponent, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, despite fans and commentators finding it impossible to ignore.
Daniels told reporters, “I don’t like when people try to compare me to Lamar.” “There are two of us in the game. Instead of being the next such-and-such, I want to be recognized as Jayden Daniels.”
Ravens Starters Get Back to Work.
As the Ravens prepare to face the Washington Commanders on Thursday, they received great news on a beautiful day: three key players have returned to practice.
Wide receiver Rashod Bateman (groin), left tackle Ronnie Stanley (toe), and cornerback Marlon Humphrey (ankle) participated in practice on a limited basis.
The only Ravens players still unavailable were defensive lineman Broderick Washington (knee), linebacker Malik Harrison (groin), and offensive lineman Sala Aumavae-Laulu (back).
Cornerback Arthur Maulet, who was activated from injured reserve last week but suffered a hamstring strain, has yet to return to practice.
