The San Francisco 49ers and Washington Commanders meet on Monday, October 19, 2026, in Week 6 of the NFL season, with Brock Purdy and Jayden Daniels leading their respective offenses on Monday Night Football.
While both teams have their starting quarterbacks available, injuries and inactive designations have affected their quarterback depth charts heading into the nationally televised matchup.
Here’s a look at the starting quarterbacks, backups and third-string options for tonight’s 49ers vs. Commanders game.
49ers vs. Commanders QB Depth Charts Today
| Depth Chart | San Francisco 49ers | Washington Commanders |
|---|---|---|
| QB1 – Starter | Brock Purdy | Jayden Daniels |
| QB2 – Backup | Mac Jones | Marcus Mariota (Out) |
| QB3 – Third String | Kurtis Rourke (Inactive) | Athan Kaliakmanis |
With Mariota unavailable, Kaliakmanis serves as Washington’s available backup quarterback behind Daniels.
Who Is the 49ers Starting Quarterback Tonight?
Brock Purdy is the San Francisco 49ers’ starting quarterback against the Washington Commanders in Week 6.
Purdy continues to lead San Francisco’s offense, bringing experience and familiarity with head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system.
The 49ers will rely on Purdy’s accuracy, decision-making and ability to execute their passing attack against Washington’s defense.
Who Is the 49ers Backup Quarterback Tonight?
Mac Jones is the 49ers’ backup quarterback for Monday Night Football.
Jones provides San Francisco with an experienced option should Purdy suffer an injury or become unavailable during the game.
Third-string quarterback Kurtis Rourke is listed as inactive for the matchup.
That leaves Jones as the primary replacement behind Purdy.
Who Is the Commanders Starting Quarterback Tonight?
Jayden Daniels is the Washington Commanders’ starting quarterback against the San Francisco 49ers.
Daniels leads Washington’s offense with his combination of passing ability, mobility and playmaking outside the pocket.
His dual-threat capabilities will be important against a San Francisco defense that can pressure quarterbacks and disrupt offensive drives.
Washington will look to Daniels to create opportunities through both the passing and rushing attacks.
Who Is the Commanders Backup Quarterback Tonight?
Athan Kaliakmanis is Washington’s available backup quarterback for Monday Night Football.
Marcus Mariota, who is listed as the Commanders’ second-string quarterback, is inactive because of an MCL injury.
Mariota’s absence moves Kaliakmanis into the backup role behind Daniels.
If Daniels cannot finish the game, Kaliakmanis would be Washington’s available replacement at quarterback.
Is Marcus Mariota Playing Tonight Against the 49ers?
No. Marcus Mariota is inactive for the Commanders’ Week 6 matchup against the 49ers because of an MCL injury.
Mariota normally provides Washington with an experienced veteran backup behind Jayden Daniels.
His absence reduces the Commanders’ quarterback experience behind their starter and places additional importance on Daniels remaining healthy throughout the game.
Is Mac Jones Playing Tonight for the 49ers?
Mac Jones is available as San Francisco’s backup quarterback, but Brock Purdy is expected to handle the starting duties.
Jones would enter the game if Purdy becomes unavailable or if the coaching staff makes a quarterback change.
49ers vs. Commanders Monday Night Football Game Information
- Game: Washington Commanders vs. San Francisco 49ers
- Date: Monday, October 19, 2026
- Week: NFL Week 6
- Kickoff Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
- Venue: Levi’s Stadium
- TV Channels: ABC and ESPN
- Streaming: NFL+
Why the Quarterback Depth Charts Matter Tonight
Both teams enter Monday Night Football with their starting quarterbacks leading the offense, but their backup situations are different.
San Francisco has Mac Jones available behind Brock Purdy, giving the 49ers an experienced quarterback option if needed.
Washington, meanwhile, will be without Marcus Mariota, leaving Athan Kaliakmanis as the available backup behind Jayden Daniels.
The difference could become significant if either starting quarterback is forced to leave the game.
Final Takeaway
The 49ers vs. Commanders starting quarterbacks for Monday Night Football on October 19, 2026, are Brock Purdy and Jayden Daniels.
San Francisco has Mac Jones as its primary backup, while Washington will turn to Athan Kaliakmanis if Daniels cannot continue because Marcus Mariota is inactive with an MCL injury.
Both teams will look to their starting quarterbacks to lead their offenses in this Week 6 primetime matchup.