Coach Dan Quinn said Tuesday that Daniels and Marcus Mariota are splitting first-team reps to begin training camp, Albert Breer of SI.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

"When [Daniels] is ready, we'll know," Quinn said. During June minicamp it was Daniels, the second overall pick in the 2024 draft, who received most of the first-team reps, but it sounds as though the Commanders want him to now earn the starting job. All things considered, it would come as a surprise if Mariota and not Daniels opened the season under center for Washington, but the team has yet to name a Week 1 starter, and it could take until the preseason before clarity on the quarterback competition is provided. Daniels may need some time to fully acclimate to the aerial components of offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury's scheme, but even if he's rough around the edges early on, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner projects as a high-upside fantasy option right off the bat due to his tremendous dual-threat ability.

Daniels got most of the first-team reps at June minicamp, Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Commanders WR Terry McLaurin, RB Austin Ekeler and head coach Dan Quinn all offered glowing praise during minicamp, mentioning Daniels' work ethic, leadership and understanding of Kliff Kingsbury's offense. Even so, Quinn hasn't determined a Week 1 starter and said the plan all along was for Daniels and Marcus Mariota to split first-team snaps during spring practices, per John Keim of ESPN.com. Reports from training camp in late July and early August should provide a better idea as to whether Daniels is truly competing with Mariota or is all but locked in for the Week 1 start at Tampa Bay.