Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Cooper Rush

Friday, January 2, 12:26 PM

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (hand) has officially been ruled out for Sunday's Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. Mariota was a stretch to make it back to play in the final game of the year after injuring his hand in the Week 16 loss to the Eagles. The 32-year-old veteran was held out of the Christmas Day loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17 and will now miss a second straight game to end the year. Journeyman QB Josh Johnson will make a second straight start for the Commanders. Mariota ended up playing in 11 games (eight starts) this year while filling in for the injured Jayden Daniels, and he held his own, throwing for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He added 297 yards on the ground and a TD.

Sunday, October 12, 3:30 PM

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Cooper Rush was benched during Sunday's Week 6 contest against the Los Angeles Rams. He has been replaced by Tyler Huntley, who is currently on his third stint with the organization. Rush has struggled immensely while filling in for Lamar Jackson (hamstring). Last week, he had 179 yards and three interceptions. This week, through three quarters of play before being benched, he amassed 72 yards, one interception, and one last fumble. Trailing by multiple possessions in the final quarter, Baltimore decided that a change was necessary. The pivot to Huntley gives the Ravens a more mobile and athletic option under center. He'll likely quarterback the Ravens for the rest of Sunday's contest and could be in the conversation to start Baltimore's next game in Week 8 if Jackson remains sidelined.