Commanders Battle Falcons with a Shorthanded Roster as Mariota Faces Former Team
The Washington Commanders are gearing up for a challenging Week 4 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, but they will do so with a significantly depleted roster. With a mix of injuries and strategic decisions, the Commanders are tasked with overcoming the absence of several key players.
Injuries Compound Commanders’ Challenges
Heading into the weekend, the Commanders were already aware they would be without four crucial starters. On Friday, head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that quarterback Jayden Daniels, who is dealing with a knee injury, along with tight end John Bates (groin), and receivers Terry McLaurin (quad) and Noah Brown (groin/knee) would all be sidelined for the game against Atlanta.
To mitigate these losses, the Commanders elevated receiver Tay Martin and cornerback Antonio Hamilton Sr. from the practice squad. Hamilton is making his second appearance for Washington this season after being brought up just last week.
Final Inactive List Revealed
As the team finalized their inactive list, several more players were announced as healthy scratches, including safety Percy Butler (hip), offensive lineman Brandon Coleman, and defensive end Preston Smith. This roster shakeup places additional strain on a team already facing an uphill battle.
For the Falcons, cornerback A.J. Terrell (hamstring) headlines their list of absentees. He will be joined on the sidelines by receiver KhaDarel Hodge, running back Nathan Carter, offensive lineman Jack Nelson, and defensive lineman Sam Roberts.
Running Back Situation Remains Uncertain
In a twist of fate, running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s status remains uncertain as kickoff approaches. Despite missing two days of practice earlier in the week, he was initially expected to play. However, his workload will largely depend on how he responds during the game. Should Croskey-Merritt be limited, running backs Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Jeremy McNichols will likely shoulder the majority of the rushing responsibilities.
Recent History Favors the Commanders
Washington has enjoyed recent success against Atlanta, having bested them in their last four encounters. Last season, it was Jayden Daniels who led the Commanders to an overtime victory over the Falcons, a win that secured a postseason berth. Notably, during that game, veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota was seen mentoring Daniels, showcasing the camaraderie that exists within the team.
With Daniels unavailable, Mariota will step in for his second consecutive start, facing a team he previously played for. In 2022, he started 13 games for the Falcons, finishing with a 5-8 record. Before his time in Atlanta, Mariota played for the Raiders and the Eagles, bringing a wealth of experience to his current role with the Commanders.
As the Commanders prepare to take the field, they’ll aim to extend their winning streak over the Falcons, despite their current lineup challenges.
