Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Jalin Hyatt

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, January 4, 12:08 PM

New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (illness) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Dallas Cowboys. Hyatt was listed as questionable. He missed two consecutive practices before upgrading to a limited participant on Friday. The 24-year-old had been a healthy scratch in each of the last two weeks, and he played just four snaps over the last five games. As a result, it's unclear if Hyatt's absence is related to his illness or if he's merely a healthy scratch. Regardless, his absence is notable in a game where the Giants will also be without Wan'Dale Robinson (rib), Ryan Miller (coach's decision), and Theo Johnson (illness). Darius Slayton will operate as the Giants' No. 1 receiver while Gunner Olszewski, Isaiah Hodgins, and Xavier Gipson also get more involved.