Commanders QB Daniels injured, Mariota set to start against Lions; Lattimore also hurt

The Washington Commanders are facing a tumultuous period as starting quarterback Jayden Daniels is sidelined with a dislocated left elbow following a heavy loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Why it matters: The injury to Daniels adds to an already lengthy list of setbacks for the Commanders, who now find themselves in a precarious position in their season.

• With a current record of 3-6, Washington's playoff hopes appear increasingly dim, and the absence of key players could further hinder their performance.
• Marcus Mariota, stepping in as the starter, will need to quickly acclimate to the offensive scheme while maintaining continuity within a struggling unit.

What’s new: Daniels suffered the injury during the fourth quarter of the game against Seattle, which the Commanders lost 38-14.

• This incident occurred with just 7:39 left on the clock, at which point the Commanders were already trailing significantly, indicating a rough outing overall.
• Daniels was sacked by Seattle linebacker Drake Thomas, leading to the dislocation, and he departed the field with a black air cast on his arm.

Yes, but: The impact of injuries is not limited to just the quarterback position.

• Cornerback Marshon Lattimore also suffered a torn ACL in the same game, further depleting Washington's defensive capabilities.
• Additionally, wide receiver Luke McCaffrey joined the ranks of injured players with a broken collarbone sustained during the opening kickoff.

What to watch: As Marcus Mariota takes over, his performance will be critical in determining the Commanders' ability to remain competitive.

• Mariota brings experience and versatility but has not started consistently in recent seasons. His ability to manage games effectively will be put to the test against the Detroit Lions in their upcoming matchup.
• Furthermore, the Commanders will need to address their depth issues, particularly at wide receiver, as Terry McLaurin continues to recover from a quad injury.

The bottom line: The Commanders are navigating a challenging landscape filled with injuries and subpar performances.

• Coach Dan Quinn acknowledged the situation's gravity, expressing regret over missed opportunities that have compounded the team's struggles.
• As they prepare for the next game, the Commanders must rally together to minimize the impact of these injuries and fight for relevancy in the remainder of the season.