Sept. 27 game-day update: Commanders–Seahawks injuries and QB news
Game-day update: September 27, 2026, 11:38 AM Eastern. Updated with the latest verified injury and roster news.
Washington returns to Northwest Stadium looking for its first win, with Marcus Mariota taking over an offense facing one of the NFL's strongest early-season defenses.
The Commanders host the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Sept. 27, at 1 p.m. Eastern. FOX will televise the game. Washington is 0-2; Seattle enters 2-0.
A full week for Mariota
Mariota is preparing to start after Jayden Daniels suffered a dislocated left elbow in the loss at Dallas. Washington's team report Wednesday said Mariota would be under center against Seattle, while Daniels' return timetable remained unsettled.
Mariota completed 11 of 16 passes for 111 yards and a touchdown in relief against the Cowboys. A full practice week gives Washington an opportunity to build the plan around him rather than adjust during a game.
“There's nobody easier to rally around than him,” coach Dan Quinn said, according to Commanders.com.
Terry McLaurin offered a similar assessment: “We have a calm confidence in him.”
That familiarity matters. The larger question is whether Washington can turn it into sustained drives against Seattle.
Make the running game count
Through two games, Washington is averaging 157 rushing yards. Seattle has allowed 89.5 per game on the ground and just 8.5 points overall, according to the Commanders' matchup notes.
For Washington, the practical priority is avoiding long-yardage situations. Productive early-down runs can give Mariota more manageable decisions and keep Seattle from concentrating on the pass. An early deficit would make that plan harder to sustain.
Get off the field
Washington has allowed opponents to convert 52 percent of their third downs. Seattle has converted only 33.33 percent of its own opportunities.
Those are small, two-game samples, but they identify an important matchup. Washington needs stops that return the ball to Mariota, particularly if scoring opportunities are limited.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is an obvious focus for the secondary. Seattle's receiver has 277 receiving yards and four touchdown catches through two games. Preventing explosive gains is as important as winning on third down: a defense cannot force a punt after a touchdown.
Game-day availability
Washington's final injury report rules out Jayden Daniels (left elbow), Sam Cosmi (concussion/throat), Nick Cross (illness), Frankie Luvu (groin) and Chig Okonkwo (hamstring). Javon Kinlaw returned to full practice Friday and carries no game-status designation.
Mariota takes over at quarterback, while the absences of Cosmi, Luvu and Okonkwo also require adjustments to Washington's blocking, linebacker rotation and tight end usage.
Seattle has confirmed that Sam Darnold is ready to return after missing Week 2 with a glute injury. He practiced fully Thursday and Friday and has no injury designation. Safeties Julian Love (calf) and Ty Okada (hamstring) are out; defensive tackle Brandon Pili (concussion) is questionable.
These are the latest verified injury designations, not a complete official game-day inactive list.
For Washington, the assignment is clear: help Mariota with the running game, limit Seattle's big plays and finish defensive possessions. The home opener offers a chance to change the direction of a winless start, but the opponent leaves little room for wasted opportunities.
Game information: Seahawks at Commanders. Sunday, Sept. 27, 1 p.m. Eastern. Northwest Stadium, Landover, Maryland. TV: FOX.