Marcus Mariota left Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts with a right knee injury after a sack late in the second possession and did not return. Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn confirmed the quarterback suffered an MCL sprain, with further details pending after scans.
Mariota was filling in for injured starter Jayden Daniels, who has been sidelined since Week 2 with a dislocated elbow. Despite Mariota’s promising start—leading the Commanders into the red zone on their first two drives—his injury forced Washington to turn to rookie seventh-round pick Athan Kaliakmanis as their third-string quarterback.
Quinn addressed the injury shortly after the game, saying, “The team thinks it’s an MCL injury. When we get the scan tomorrow, we’ll have further knowledge of what we’re dealing with and length and all those.” The coach refrained from providing an estimated recovery timeline.
This isn’t Mariota’s first experience with an MCL issue this season. He suffered a sprained MCL during Washington’s preseason opener in August. At that time, Quinn said, “He does have a right knee MCL sprain. It will knock him out for the rest of the preseason. Optimistic that he’ll be ready for the start of the regular season.”
Mariota’s injury raises questions about the Commanders’ quarterback depth. Daniels is expected to return next week, but until then, Kaliakmanis will likely serve as backup. Washington’s injury troubles at quarterback have become a significant challenge early in the season.
Mariota’s absence leaves the Commanders with limited options under center just as they try to regroup following Sunday’s 23-17 loss to the Colts. The team is set to return to Virginia, where Mariota will undergo further testing to clarify the extent of the MCL sprain.
The Commanders’ quarterback situation remains uncertain, hinging on medical evaluations after the scans. Meanwhile, Daniels’ return next week offers some relief, but Kaliakmanis could see extended playing time if Mariota’s recovery drags on.
According to Yahoo Sports.
