Marcus Mariota is making his first significant action of the 2024 season.

The Washington Commanders backup quarterback replaced injured starter Jayden Daniels late in the first quarter of their game against the Carolina Panthers. Daniels, the rookie who was sensational in his first season, suffered a rib injury against the Carolina Panthers.

Commanders initially said it was doubtful he would return.

Mariota came into the next series of the Commanders. He ran four yards around the right sideline before being sacked for a four-yard loss. After a false start penalty, Mariota’s deep pass attempt to wide receiver Dyami Brown fell incomplete.

Mariota’s only appearance of the season before Sunday came in mop-up duty in the Commanders’ Week 5 34-13 win over the Cleveland Browns. He completed one of three passes for minus 2 yards.