Mariota ruled out as Commanders turn to 7th-round rookie at QB
John KeimOct 4, 2026, 10:44 AM ET
- 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.
LONDON -- Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota left Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts with a knee injury that he suffered on the second series of the game.
Mariota was replaced by rookie seventh-round pick Athan Kaliakmanis, who was playing his first NFL snaps.
The injury was even more damaging because Mariota was playing for Commanders franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels, who missed his second consecutive game because of a dislocated left elbow.
Mariota was hurt at the end of a sack on third-and-goal from the 6-yard line. His right knee appeared to bend as he was sacked by defensive tackle Adetomiwa. Mariota did walk on his own into the locker room after being examined in the medical tent.
Making matters worse for Washington is that top receiver Terry McLaurin (hamstring) did not play after getting hurt in practice Friday. The Commanders also were without starting right guard Sam Cosmi for a second game.
Mariota led Washington to a 33-31 win over the Seattle Seahawks last week, throwing for 183 yards and three touchdowns. He threw for 46 yards and had a 35-yard run on a zone read keeper Sunday to set up a field goal.
Mariota, in his third season with Washington, has started 10 games for the Commanders in that time.
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