(Photo credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images)Marcus Mariota edged closer to making his 75th career regular-season start on Friday with fellow quarterback Jayden Daniels not on the field when the Washington Commanders began their final practice of the week. Head coach Dan Quinn set participation in practice as a must this week for the Commanders to have confidence Daniels safely can return to the starting role. 'Anytime he's asked to play or practice or even on scout team, he's been phenomenal,' Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said. Mariota completed 77.3 percent of his passes in two cameo appearances in 2024 and re-signed with Washington to continue mentoring Daniels, the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year. In the 2024 regular-season finale, Mariota relieved Daniels and connected with Terry McLaurin for the game-winning touchdown with two seconds left.