The Washington Commanders have a question at quarterback ahead of week three, but so do two of the next there teams on the 2026 regular season schedule
The Washington Commanders have their own questions to answer this weekend at quarterback with Jayden Daniels sidelined with uncertainty about when or if he will return in 2026, setting veteran Marcus Mariota up for his first start of the 2026 NFL season. It marks familiar territory for Mariota, who appeared in 11 games and threw for nearly 1,700 yards and ten touchdowns one season ago.
The intrigue? Two of the Commanders' next three opponents could also now turn to backup quarterbacks in their looming matchups.
Sam Arnold is expected to return to practice on Wednesday for the Seattle Seahawks to add another layer of intrigue whether he will be able to make his return. Darnold went down with a glute injury five plays into the start of Seattle's season, initially expected to miss multiple weeks with a question whether he would be able to return against Washington. Head coach Mike Macdonald pointed to Darnold on track to start "if Sam can play," potentially adding a layer of uncertainty as to who the Commanders' defense will face in the home opener this weekend.
Drew Lock has stepped in with Darnold sidelined over the last seven quarters, completing nearly 73% of his passes while throwing for over 400 yards and four touchdowns.
Washington will then cross the Atlantic Ocean to face the Indianapolis Colts in London as they also adjust to life without wide receiver Alec Pierce with news that an aggravated left heel will sideline him multiple weeks. Yet the next divisional matchup will also pose a question at quarterback.
The injury that New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart suffering during the primetime loss against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night is worse than initially expected with a knee injury now potentially sidelining him for the remainder of the 2026 regular season. Jameis Winston stepped in for Dart after throwing for 111 yards and one interception while completing just under 41% of his passes.
That adds intrigue to the Commanders' second game in Landover this season with a question when the first regular season win will materialize as head coach Dan Quinn looks to right the ship amid multiple injuries along his own roster.
Washington is set to host Seattle on Sunday, Sept. 27 for its first 1 PM kickoff of the season with FOX set to broadcast the game for the third consecutive week. Seattle will look to stay perfect after defeating the New England Patriots then Arizona Cardinals by a combined score of 44-17.
