Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Kyler Murray

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, March 1, 9:29 AM

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (foot) is "likely to be released" this offseason, barring a last-minute trade, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Murray would be guaranteed a roster bonus of $19.5 million for the 2027 season if he's on the team's active roster by March 16, so a decision one way or another will be coming soon. Although the Cardinals continue to say that all options are on the table for the 28-year-old former first overall pick in 2019, it's looking more likely that he won't return to the desert. Murray didn't play beyond Week 5 in 2025 due to a foot sprain, but his dual-threat abilities at the QB position will make him one of the more attractive free-agent options this offseason if he is indeed released. Murray threw for 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions in his five games last year before getting hurt, adding 173 rushing yards and one TD on the ground.