Sunday’s 30-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts brought more than a defeat for the Washington Commanders. Starting quarterback Marcus Mariota suffered a knee injury in the first quarter and did not return, forcing the team to rely on rookie Athan Kaliakmanis for the remainder of the game. That injury left the Commanders searching for answers at quarterback, but there is now a clear plan in place.
Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed after the game that Jayden Daniels, the team’s designated starter before the season, is expected to return next week after recovering from his own knee injury. Daniels practiced in a limited capacity last week and avoided surgery, which accelerated his timeline for a comeback. He traveled with the team to London to stay involved, but the Commanders never intended to put him into the lineup there.
“That’s the hope for us for sure, Jay coming back,” Quinn said. “He’ll have a full week of practice Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. That’s the goal: that he could get into that space.” Quinn added that Daniels will take all the practice reps this week to prepare for a potential start against the New York Giants in Week 5.
Mariota’s injury, combined with Daniels’ absence, forced the Commanders to turn to Kaliakmanis, who showed flashes but was ultimately unable to keep Washington competitive. The team will now evaluate whether Kaliakmanis remains the backup quarterback or if they pursue a veteran addition while Daniels regains full fitness.
The injury situation extended beyond the quarterback position on Sunday. Wide receiver Jaylin Lane suffered a severe leg injury in the second half and was carted off, while defensive lineman Charles Omenihu left the game with a groin injury and did not return. Other players struggled with minor issues but were able to finish the contest.
Quinn indicated that more updates on the injured roster will come during a Monday media session, promising clarity on who will be available moving forward. For now, Daniels’ return is the primary focus, with his full participation in practice signalling a near-term boost for a Commanders team currently at 1-3.
With Mariota sidelined for at least a couple of weeks, the quarterback depth chart is in flux. The Commanders’ decision on whether to rely on Kaliakmanis or seek outside help will be closely watched as Daniels aims to reclaim his starting role. Quinn’s comments suggest confidence in Daniels’ readiness, but the coming week will be critical to determine his level of preparedness for game action.
According to Yahoo Sports.
