The Washington Commanders have lost their starting quarterback in the United States and on Sunday lost their starting quarterback in the United Kingdom as Marcus Mariota injured his knee against the Indianapolis Colts.
Mariota was apparently injured on a sack by Colts defensive lineman Laiatu Latu, who landed on the quarterback in the pass pocket.
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The Commanders initially said Mariota was questionable to return with a right knee injury but he was ruled out after halftime.
OutKick medical expert Dr. David Chao, who served 17 years as the San Diego Chargers chief doctor, said the concern for Mariota is an MCL injury.
Chao, the founder of Sports Injury Central, originally held out hope for a Mariota return, but as the Commanders got multiple possessions that would have given the team plenty of time to bring the QB back with a brace, the concern became that Mariota was not returning.
The good doctor’s concern about Mariota’s availability was proven correct. Mariota previously had an MCL in 2022 that required surgery.
Mariota, you should know, started this game in London and last week, because starter Jayden Daniels dislocated his left elbow in a game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 20.
Daniels has not played since but he returned to practice on a limited basis this last week and the Commanders are hopeful he can return to the starting lineup for their Week 5 game against the New York Giants.
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That obviously doesn’t help in this game. Mariota was replaced by third-stringer Athan Kaliakmanis.
Kaliakmanis is a rookie quarterback whom Washington selected in the seventh round (223rd overall) of the 2026 NFL Draft after college stops at Minnesota and Rutgers.
The Commanders hope Kaliakmanis can complete as many passes in this game as there are letters in his full name.
