Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota suffered a right knee injury early in Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts in London, forcing rookie Athan Kaliakmanis into action. Mariota was ruled out for the remainder of the game, leaving the Commanders without their two top quarterbacks as they continue to navigate Jayden Daniels’ ongoing elbow recovery.
Marcus Mariota’s Early Exit in London
The Commanders’ offensive plans faced an immediate setback at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday. Starting quarterback Marcus Mariota, who was filling in for the injured Jayden Daniels, exited the game in the first quarter after taking a hit from Colts defensive lineman Laiatu Latu. The collision occurred when Latu landed on the quarterback’s lower right leg, bending it awkwardly in the pocket. Mariota, who had previously considered retiring after the 2022 season with the Atlanta Falcons, was evaluated in the blue medical tent before being taken to the locker room for further assessment.
Before leaving the field, Mariota had led the Commanders to an early 6-0 lead, completing three of four pass attempts for 46 yards and contributing a 35-yard rushing gain. Though Mariota had recovered in time for the regular season, this setback forced the team to rule him out for the remainder of the contest. The 32-year-old veteran, who has accumulated 12 seasons of NFL experience with over 18,000 passing yards and 130 touchdowns, had been starting in place of Daniels since Week 3, where he previously led the team to a win over the defending champion Seattle Seahawks.
Rookie Athan Kaliakmanis Takes Command
With Mariota ruled out, the responsibility of leading the offense fell to seventh-round rookie Athan Kaliakmanis. The 223rd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft had spent the season preparing as the third-string option behind Daniels and Mariota. Kaliakmanis brings significant college experience, having started 42 of 48 games between Minnesota and Rutgers. He first arrived at Minnesota where he redshirted before securing his first start in 2022 following an injury to Tanner Morgan. During his two seasons at Rutgers, he totaled 5,820 passing yards and 38 touchdowns, with his 2025 campaign serving as his statistical peak at 3,124 yards and 20 passing touchdowns.
Beyond his on-field resume, Kaliakmanis has a unique backstory; he is Greek American, and his father, Alex, named him after seeing an icon of Saint Athanasius of Alexandria at a Greek Orthodox church in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. The quarterback, known by the nickname “The Greek Rifle,” earned his roster spot by beating out Sam Hartman during the preseason, notably impressing the staff during a game against Detroit where he completed 11 of 14 passes for 162 yards. Despite this, the rookie was candid about his performance in the 30-13 loss to Indianapolis, where he finished 15-of-33 for 186 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. I’ve got to be better,
he stated following the game.
Injury Outlook for Jayden Daniels and the Commanders
The team’s quarterback depth has been a recurring concern this season. Jayden Daniels has been sidelined since Week 2 with a dislocated left elbow, the second season he has suffered that specific injury. While Daniels was a limited participant in practice throughout the week leading up to the London matchup, his status remains the primary focus for the team’s upcoming schedule. The Commanders are hopeful that Daniels can return for their Week 5 game against the New York Giants, as he opted against surgery for his injury. If Mariota remains sidelined, the team faces a thin depth chart that also includes emergency option Colson Yankoff, who serves as a tight end, and Sam Hartman on the practice squad.
Impact on Sports Betting
The abrupt nature of Mariota’s exit triggered specific betting protections for fans who had placed wagers on his individual performance. DraftKings Sportsbook confirmed that its Early Exit Protected
rules applied to the game. For parlays and Same Game Parlays, the Mariota selection was voided and odds were recalculated using the remaining legs. The feature, which covers injuries occurring during the first half, provided a safety net for bettors as the Commanders moved to a 1-3 record.
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