Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn confirmed Monday that rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels will start in the team’s season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“He’s ready, and he’s earned the right. … He’s really put in the work,” Quinn stated.
Daniels was selected by Washington with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The rookie has participated in both of the team’s preseason games, where he completed 12 of 15 passes for 123 yards. Additionally, he contributed 16 rushing yards and scored a rushing touchdown.
Veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota, who joined Washington on a one-year contract worth up to $10 million this offseason, missed the team’s second preseason game due to a hamstring injury.
Daniels has been practicing exclusively with the first team for the past three weeks after initially splitting reps with Mariota, according to ESPN’s John Keim.
In his final college season at LSU, the 23-year-old Daniels amassed 4,946 yards and 50 touchdowns, earning the Heisman Trophy.
The Commanders have not ranked in the top 20 in points per game since 2017.
