Mariota has MCL sprain, Daniels set to practice this week, Quinn says

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  John KeimOct 5, 2026, 07:05 PM ET

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  John Keim covers the Washington Commanders for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2013 after a stint with the Washington Post. He started covering the team in 1994 for the Journal Newspapers and later for the Washington Examiner. He has authored/co-authored four books. You can also listen to him on 'The John Keim Report', which airs on ESPN Richmond radio.

ASHBURN, Va. -- Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota suffered a sprained MCL of his right knee, but the timetable for his return remains uncertain, coach Dan Quinn said Monday.

Quinn also reiterated that starting quarterback Jayden Daniels will practice in full this week, with the hope of starting Sunday against the visiting New York Giants.

Mariota had started the past two games in place of Daniels, who was sidelined with a dislocated left elbow.

Daniels has played a full game just five times since the start of the 2025 season, adding to Mariota's importance.

But after leading the Commanders to a 33-31 home win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3, Mariota suffered the same injury on Sunday that occurred in an Aug. 14 preseason game versus the Miami Dolphins. He was able to return to practice on Sept. 1 following August's setback.

Mariota led field goal drives on his only two series Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts for a 6-0 lead; the Commanders (1-3) would go on to lose 30-13 in London. Mariota was sacked by defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore on third-and-goal from the 6-yard line, causing the signal-caller's right knee to bend.

Rookie seventh-round pick Athan Kaliakmanis relieved Mariota, completing 15-of-33 passes for 183 yards and a touchdown with one interception in his first NFL action.

Quinn said the Commanders want to see how Mariota progresses before deciding whether they need to add another quarterback.

Washington will play at the San Francisco 49ers on Oct. 19 before its bye week.

Mariota started eight games last season, and he has played in 17 overall since signing with Washington in 2024. He has thrown 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions in those contests.

Washington also lost its punt and kick returner Jaylin Lane to a fractured and dislocated ankle, ending his season. Lane averaged 13.7 yards per punt return with two touchdowns last season. He had been averaging 12.0 yards this campaign as well as 24.6 yards on kick returns. The injury occurred on a kick return Sunday.

Quinn indicated that, in addition to Daniels, the Commanders are hopeful two other starters will return: safety Nick Cross (internal injury) and right guard Sam Cosmi (concussion). Running back Rachaad White (shoulder) also might be back.

Quinn said they're not yet sure what Terry McLaurin will do in practice this week. The wide receiver missed Sunday's loss to the Colts after injuring a hamstring in Friday's practice.