Kingsbury lauds Commanders’ QB room as Hartman waits for NFL debut; Mariota set to start after Daniels injury

Washington's quarterback room has become a talking point this season, with Kliff Kingsbury praising its camaraderie and joking that he wouldn't let any of the players marry his hypothetical daughter — except Sam Hartman, who he says is way too good looking to risk. Hartman signed with Washington as an undrafted free agent after his college career at Wake Forest and Notre Dame, and while he has yet to play in an NFL game, he has bounced on and off the roster for two seasons. This year he has been behind Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota and Josh Johnson in the quarterback room. Kingsbury credited quarterbacks coach Tavita Pritchard, and assistant quarterbacks coach David Blough, for building that bond and keeping the room tight and competitive. It’s the nucleus of a unit that helped Kingsbury revive his coaching career after being fired as the Cardinals’ head coach following the 2022 season. The Commanders finished fifth in the NFL in scoring per game (28.5) and collected the seventh-most yards per game (369.6) on their way to the NFC Championship game before losing to the Eagles.

Hartman has appeared in all three preseason games this year, completing 25-of-46 passes for 207 yards and four interceptions. After a 1-1 start, Kingsbury and the offense must adjust this Sunday when they host the Raiders, with Daniels missing practice all week and officially ruled out due to a knee sprain. Marcus Mariota, the former No. 2 overall pick in 2015, is set to start in Daniels’ place. Kingsbury said Mariota has handled the role with professionalism and leadership and would be ready if called to start.

With Daniels out, the Commanders will lean on Mariota’s experience and Hartman’s developing potential while still evaluating Hartman’s long-term fit in Washington.