Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Jeff Driskel

Monday, September 15, 3:41 PM

If Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (knee) cannot play in Week 3, backup Marcus Mariota could be forced into action against his old team, the Las Vegas Raiders. After undergoing an MRI exam following last Thursday night's loss to the Green Bay Packers, Daniels was diagnosed with a sprained knee, which puts his availability for Week 3 this Sunday in question. Daniels' injury isn't considered a long-term one, but his status is in doubt for this weekend. The Commanders surely will play it safe with the 24-year-old Daniels. Mariota, 31, hasn't started in the NFL since he made 13 starts with the Atlanta Falcons in 2023. Since then, he's appeared in six games with the Philadelphia Eagles and Commanders, throwing for 528 yards, five touchdowns, and a pick on 67 pass attempts. Mariota wasn't bad in spot duty in 2024 with Washington, although he'd be a low-upside, low-end QB2 in superflex leagues in Week 3 if he makes the start against the Raiders.

Tuesday, September 2, 12:55 AM

The Las Vegas Raiders announced that they have signed free agent quarterback Jeff Driskel to their practice squad. The veteran signal caller is now on his ninth NFL team, albeit in a reduced capacity. He spent 2024 with the Washington Commanders but hasn't actually attempted a pass since 2023, when he was a member of the Cleveland Browns. The 32-year-old is expected to offer depth behind Geno Smith and Kenny Pickett (hamstring). Las Vegas also has rookie Cam Miller on its practice squad, but it's unclear whether he or Driskel should be considered the third-string quarterback behind Smith and Pickett. Regardless, it's unlikely Driskel gets into a game anytime soon, and it's even more unlikely that he'll possess any fantasy value. Managers should continue to leave him on waivers.