The Marcus Mariota injury has left the Washington Commanders thin at quarterback at an awkward moment. Mariota aggravated an MCL injury in his right knee during Sunday’s 30-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in London. Washington planned to run scans after returning to the United States on Monday to learn how long he could be out. As of this writing, the team had not announced the results.
The Commanders are 1-3 and host the New York Giants on Sunday. Starter Jayden Daniels has missed two games with a dislocated left elbow. Coach Dan Quinn said Daniels expects to be a full participant in practice this week, which points toward a possible return.
What happened to Marcus Mariota?
Mariota was making his second straight start in place of Daniels. On Washington’s second drive, he ran 35 yards on a keeper. Two plays later, on third-and-goal, he was sacked by defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore, with Laiatu Latu also in on the play. His right knee bent awkwardly.
Mariota spent a few minutes in the medical tent and walked to the locker room under his own power. Washington first listed him as questionable to return, then ruled him out by halftime. The drive ended in a field goal that put the Commanders up 6-0.
Quinn told the NFL Network broadcast that Mariota aggravated the MCL injury he suffered in the preseason. After the game, Quinn said he was gutted for the veteran and that the team believes it is an MCL injury, with scans to follow Monday.
Marcus Mariota injury timeline
- Aug. 14: Mariota is hurt in the preseason opener against Miami. Two days later, Quinn confirms a sprained MCL in his right knee and says he is optimistic Mariota will be ready for the regular season.
- Week 3: Mariota starts with Daniels out, and Washington beats Seattle 33-31.
- Week 4: Mariota starts again and aggravates the same knee against Indianapolis.
Is Marcus Mariota injured badly?
The team has not said yet. Here is what is and isn’t confirmed.
Known:
- Quinn said the team believes it is an MCL injury.
- Scans were set for Monday.
- NFL Network’s Molly McGrath reported that Mariota is expected to miss some time.
Not yet known:
- The severity of the sprain.
- A return timeline.
- Whether Washington will make a roster move at quarterback.
MCL sprains range widely in severity, which is why the scan results matter more than the early reports.
What it means for the Commanders quarterback room
Daniels dislocated his left elbow on Sept. 20 at Dallas. It is the same non-throwing elbow he dislocated last season. The team chose to avoid surgery for now and has called him week to week.
If Daniels returns Sunday, the Commanders get their starter back. The Mariota injury still matters because Washington loses its safety net behind him.
The next man up is Athan Kaliakmanis, a seventh-round rookie from Rutgers who began the year as the Commanders’ 3rd string QB. He made his NFL debut against the Colts and finished 15 of 33 for 186 yards, one touchdown and one interception. His 47-yard touchdown pass to Treylon Burks was his first in the league.
US Sports Media Analysis
The following is editorial analysis based on the reported facts above.
The Mariota injury is less about this week and more about how thin Washington’s margin is. The team has already used its first two quarterbacks in the last three games, and its record is 1-3 with a Monday night trip to San Francisco on the schedule.
Mariota’s 35-yard run before the injury also shows how much the offense gains from a quarterback who can move. Washington outgained Indianapolis 317 yards to 257 on Sunday, so the offense can move the ball. The issue was finishing drives, and a healthy veteran backup matters for that.
If Daniels returns, the Commanders need him to stay healthy, because the cushion is gone. Kaliakmanis showed arm talent in his debut, including completions of 48 and 47 yards. He also took some hits by holding the ball too long, and a long stretch as a starter is a different test than one game in relief.
What happens next
Washington hosts the Giants on Sunday, Oct. 11, at 1 p.m. ET on Fox at Northwest Stadium. The Commanders then play at San Francisco on Monday, Oct. 19, before their Week 7 bye.
This story will be updated when the team releases Mariota’s scan results.
