Hawaii’s Marcus Mariota could be back under center this weekend for the Washington Commanders.
With starter Jayden Daniels recovering from a knee injury, the 31-year-old Mariota has been taking first-team reps in preparation for Sunday’s matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Mariota, the 2014 Heisman Trophy winner out of Oregon and 11-year veteran, has appeared in 93 career games, amassing more than 16,000 passing yards and 115 total touchdowns.
The Saint Louis graduate was efficient in limited action last season, completing 77% of his passes for 364 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions across three appearances.
“For me, I’ve always tried to approach it the same,” Mariota said. “I always try to approach it like I’m going to play. That way if the scenario happens or I’m given the opportunity, nothing changes for me on a week-to-week basis. My routine stays the same, and it allows me to go out there and play without worrying about doing anything extra. I just stick to my process.”
Mariota added that he’s grateful for every opportunity to play: “You never really know what this is going to look like through the course of your career, and every opportunity you get to play, I’m just grateful for it. So if it comes down to that, I’ll be excited to play and really looking forward to it.”
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said the team will provide an update on Daniels’ status Friday.
Kickoff between Washington and Las Vegas is set for Sunday at 7 a.m. Hawaii time.