Quarterback Injuries Plague the Commanders
The Washington Commanders are grappling with significant setbacks to their quarterback lineup. Following recent events in the United Kingdom, they have now lost Marcus Mariota to a knee injury during a game against the Indianapolis Colts. Mariota sustained the injury when defensive lineman Laiatu Latu sacked him, landing on him in the process.
Initially, the team deemed Mariota questionable to return, but he was ruled out after halftime. The injury occurred during their game held on October 4, 2026, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in England.
Injury Concerns and Previous Setbacks
OutKick medical expert Dr. David Chao expressed concerns about an MCL injury for Mariota. Having served as the San Diego Chargers’ chief doctor for 17 years, Chao noted that Mariota’s previous MCL surgery in 2022 heightened the alarm. Despite hopes for his return, his game participation was not feasible, attributing to cautious considerations for his long-term health.
Jayden Daniels’ Previous Injury
Mariota was in the starting lineup due to starter Jayden Daniels’s prior dislocation of his left elbow. Daniels incurred the injury on September 20, 2026, during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Since then, his playtime has been on hold, although he returned to practice recently. The Commanders are optimistic about his return in the upcoming Week 5 game against the New York Giants.
Stepping Up: Athan Kaliakmanis
Amid these difficulties, rookie quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis stepped in for Mariota. The Commanders drafted him in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft, picking him 223rd overall. Kaliakmanis joined Washington after playing college football at Minnesota and Rutgers. The team looks forward to seeing how he performs under these challenging circumstances.
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