Marcus Mariota injures right knee, Athan Kaliakmanis steps in as Commanders QB

The Washington Commanders’ quarterback situation took another hit on Sunday in London. Marcus Mariota, starting in place of injured rookie Jayden Daniels, left the game against the Indianapolis Colts with a right knee injury and was ruled out for the remainder of the contest.

Mariota spent a brief stretch in the medical tent before walking to the locker room for further evaluation. Washington did not immediately disclose additional details on the severity of the injury, which arrived at a time when the team was already down its Week 1 starter.

Rookie Athan Kaliakmanis pressed into duty

With Mariota sidelined and Daniels unavailable because of an elbow issue, the Commanders turned to third-string quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis. The seventh-round pick out of Rutgers was thrust into his first regular-season NFL action after winning the No. 3 job with a strong preseason.

Before exiting, Mariota had given Washington an early spark against Indianapolis. The Commanders produced field goals on each of their first two drives. Mariota completed three of four passes for 46 yards and added an explosive 35-yard run. His injury occurred on a red-zone sack when his right leg was pinned awkwardly, though he was able to leave the field under his own power, albeit carefully.

Commanders’ thin depth chart tested again at quarterback

Mariota had already been called upon once this season, taking over for Daniels in the second half of Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys. He then started in Washington’s 33-31 upset victory over the Seattle Seahawks the following week, stabilizing the offense while the rookie recovered.

Behind Daniels, Mariota and Kaliakmanis, the Commanders do not carry another quarterback on the 53-man roster. Sam Hartman is on the practice squad and could be elevated if the team needs additional depth. Tight end Colson Yankoff, who began his college career as a quarterback, is considered an emergency option if injuries strike further.

The status of both Daniels and Mariota will shape the Commanders’ plans under centre in the coming weeks. Until there is more clarity on their recoveries, Kaliakmanis is positioned to handle a larger role as Washington navigates a challenging stretch of its schedule.