Mariota (chest) wasn't present at Thursday's practice, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

One day removed from being a limited participant due to a chest injury, Mariota's lack of activity Thursday is a concerning sign only a few days ahead of Sunday's season opener at Tampa Bay. Considering it's a different health concern than the groin issue that he dealt with in the second half of August, there's a chance he's in danger of missing Week 1. Friday's practice report ultimately will give a sense of Mariota's chances to be available this weekend, but if he isn't active, Jeff Driskel likely would step into the No. 2 QB role behind rookie starter Jayden Daniels.

Mariota (chest) was a limited practice participant Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Mariota missed two preseason games due to a groin injury and is now apparently dealing with a chest injury. The Commanders have Jeff Driskel on the roster to serve as Jayden Daniels' backup if Mariota isn't healthy enough to play this Sunday against the Buccaneers.

Mariota (groin) will miss Sunday's preseason finale against the Patriots but is trending toward fully practicing next week, Ben Standig of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

While the backup quarterback will miss his second preseason matchup in a row, he should be back to practice next week in preparation for Washington's season opener against the Bucs on Sept. 8. Although fellow Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels has been announced the starter ahead of the season, Mariota's health is still relevant considering he'll serve as the rookie second overall pick's primary backup to open 2024.

Coach Dann Quinn said Thursday that Mariota (groin) is ruled out for Saturday's preseason game against the Dolphins, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Mariota seems entrenched as Washington's backup behind rookie first-round quarterback Jayden Daniels, but for the time being he'll need to focus on getting healthy. During Washington's preseason opener last week, Mariota took the field on the team's second drive, after Daniels left the field. With Mariota and Sam Hartman (shoulder) both dealing with injuries, the Commanders inked Trace McSorley on Thursday.

Mariota will be joined by fellow Heisman winner and No. 2 overall draft pick Jayden Daniels in Washington's QB room.

EDGE Analysis

The incoming rookie was a four-year college starter (five if you count a COVID-shortened season) and is already 23 years old, making him a strong bet to quickly take over as QB1 in Washington. Mariota presumably knew the Commanders were likely to use the No. 2 overall pick on a quarterback when he signed with them in March, but the team at least traded Sam Howell to Seattle, leaving the 30-year-old unchallenged for a backup role. It remains to be seen how the Commanders divide reps between Daniels and Mariota this spring and into summer.

Mariota is in line to sign a one-year contract with the Commanders, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

After spending a year as Jalen Hurts' backup in Philadelphia, the 30-year-old Mariota will join a Washington team that has Sam Howell under contract for two more years and owns the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. This signing would seem to hint at a desire to either trade Howell or move down in the draft. In any case, Mariota seems like a good fit with new Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who tends to rely heavily on shotgun formations and avoid play calls with slow-developing routes. Mariota's one-year contract reportedly has a base value of $6 million and can go up to $10 million with incentives.

Mariota appeared in just three games as the Eagles' backup quarterback this season, completing 15 of 23 passes for 164 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

EDGE Analysis

All but three of Mariota's passes came in Week 18. Mariota also added a brief appearance in the Eagles' 32-9 playoff loss to the Bucs, handing off twice at the end of the game to run out the clock with the result already decided. Given that Mariota was stuck looking for a backup job prior to this season, and given that he didn't get the chance to add anything meaningful to his resume this year, he'll presumably be stuck as a backup again next fall.

Mariota completed 13 of 20 passes for 148 yards and a touchdown with an interception after replacing Jalen Hurts late in the second quarter of Sunday's 27-10 loss to the Giants. He added 46 rushing yards on six carries.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran QB entered the game with the Eagles already in a 24-0 hole, and Mariota promptly threw a pick on his first pass attempt before halftime. He did lead a couple scoring drives in the second half, but Philly never seemed close to staging a real rally. It's the most action Mariota has seen all season, and while the 30-year-old is a free agent in the offseason, he seems to be a good fit with the Eagles as Hurts' backup and could return on another affordable contract.

Mariota played five of the Eagles' 72 snaps on offense and completed two of three pass attempts for 16 yards while carrying twice for six yards in Sunday's 42-19 loss to the 49ers.

EDGE Analysis

For the first time all season, Mariota was summoned from the bench with just over 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter while starting quarterback Jalen Hurts was evaluated for a concussion. Mariota led the Eagles to a pair of first downs before Hurts was cleared to return to the game. Assuming Hurts makes it through the upcoming practice week unscathed, Mariota will remain in a backup role for the Eagles' matchup with the Cowboys this Sunday.

Mariota will start Friday against the Colts, Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Mariota is only expected to play one series before giving way to Tanner McKee, and eventually Ian Book. The Oregon product has struggled at times learning his new team's offense during training camp, but he's fully expected to remain the team's No. 2 option behind Jalen Hurts this season.