Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Tyson Bagent

Wednesday, August 6, 9:20 PM

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (leg) won't travel with the team for their preseason opener against the New England Patriots. Head coach Dan Quinn said on Wednesday that Mariota is dealing with a mild lower leg strain. Luckily, it sounds like a minor injury as Quinn said his level of concern was low. The Commanders will take the cautious approach and rest their backup quarterback. Mariota served as the backup to Jayden Daniels last season. He completed 34-of-44 passing attempts for 364 passing yards and four touchdowns in three games with Washington last year. There won't be any fantasy value here with Mariota while Daniels is healthy. Sam Hartman figures to see the bulk of the snaps in the preseason opener.

Sunday, August 10, 4:56 PM

Chicago Bears backup quarterback Tyson Bagent completed 13 of 19 passes for 103 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in his start against the Miami Dolphins. Bagent played the entire first half and had an up-and-down outing. After going three-and-out on the first two drives of the game, Bagent and the Bears marched down the field on a 16-play 79-yard drive that finished with a four-yard touchdown pass to Maurice Alexander on a fourth and goal. Bagent proceeded to throw an interception on the next drive to end a two-minute drill near the end of the half. Bagent is currently in a quarterback battle with veteran Case Keenum for the backup role behind starter Caleb Williams. Keenum played well in the second half and brings a veteran presence to a young quarterback room. Bagent will need to perform better against the Buffalo Bills next Sunday as he looks to cement his backup role for the Bears in 2025.