Mariota reflects on 'long journey' after 1st snaps with Raiders

Marcus Mariota's path back to NFL snaps has certainly been a trying one.

The former No. 2 overall pick saw his first on-field action with the Las Vegas Raiders during Thursday's overtime loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Though his team ultimately suffered a defeat, Mariota was grateful to be involved.

"To be truthful, it's been a long journey," he told reporters postgame. "I've been through, kind of, everything. From injuries to surgeries to mental lapses, the confidence thing. I just truly appreciate the Raiders and the entire organization kind of helping me through that.

"I was trying to kind of find my way again, and they gave me an opportunity to kind of take some time. They were patient with me and I just appreciate the fact that they were willing to do that."

Mariota entered the game for the first time this season after Raiders starting quarterback Derek Carr suffered a groin injury in the first quarter.

The 27-year-old put together an impressive performance to keep Las Vegas in the contest after Carr exited. He threw for 226 yards and one touchdown against one interception, adding another 88 yards and a score on the ground.

Mariota last played in Week 17 of the 2019 season for the Tennessee Titans. He started the first six games of that campaign before the Titans benched him in favor of Ryan Tannehill. Vegas signed him to a two-year deal this past offseason to back up Carr, but he began the year on injured reserve.

"It's kind of part of being an athlete," he said. "You're gonna go through some ups and downs, and I think the (Raiders') staff did a great job kind of keeping me level-headed and kind of fighting through it. ... I just loved being out there again, it was fun to play."

The Raiders, who fell to 7-7 on Thursday, may be forced to call upon the veteran again if Carr's groin injury is deemed to be season-ending.