Marcus Mariota Suffers Right Knee Injury in Washington Commanders Loss to Colts

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota suffered a right knee injury during Sunday’s 30-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in London, aggravating a previous MCL sprain and leaving the team’s depth chart under severe strain.

The Washington Commanders lost both the game and their veteran signal-caller on Oct. 4, 2026, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Marcus Mariota exited the international matchup in the first quarter after Colts defensive end Laiatu Latu landed on his right leg during a third-down sack. The injury forced the team to turn immediately to rookie third-stringer Athan Kaliakmanis.

Prior to his exit, Mariota had started the contest and completed 3 of 4 passes for 46 yards while adding one rush for 35 yards. He led Washington to an unexpected win over the reigning Super Bowl champions Seattle Seahawks the previous week, stepping in smoothly after starter Jayden Daniels suffered a dislocated left elbow on Sept. 20 against the Dallas Cowboys. Entering the year, the Commanders kept only Daniels, Mariota, and Kaliakmanis on their initial 53-man roster, leaving the position extremely thin.

Marcus Mariota Suffers MCL Sprain

Head coach Dan Quinn addressed reporters after the game to confirm that the team’s medical staff diagnosed the issue as an MCL injury. ESPN reported that Mariota suffered an MCL sprain to the exact same knee he hurt during the preseason, an ailment that previously sidelined him for roughly a month. Molly McGrath of ESPN reported that the 32-year-old veteran aggravated his MCL injury and is expected to miss some time.

Mariota previously had an MCL injury in 2022 that required surgery.

Athan Kaliakmanis Makes Historic Rookie Debut in London

The exit of Mariota thrust seventh-round draft pick Athan Kaliakmanis into regular-season action far earlier than the franchise anticipated. He also marked the first rookie quarterback from the 2026 draft class to take a regular-season snap. Kaliakmanis began his collegiate career at Minnesota before transferring to Rutgers, appearing in 48 total college games with 8,604 passing yards, 55 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions. His final college season at Rutgers was his best, setting career highs in completion percentage (62.2), passing yards (3,124), and passing touchdowns (20).

Keep your spirit high, Diggs told him. And I told him, ‘Man, I’ve got you too.’ Kaliakmanis also noted that he received support throughout the game from the coaching staff and from the injured Daniels on the sidelines, calling Daniels the ultimate leader for coaching him through the contest.

He also targeted Dyami Brown for a 48-yard gain and added three carries for 16 yards on the ground.

Jayden Daniels Remains Out for London Trip

The sudden loss of both active quarterbacks leaves Washington in a precarious spot. Starter Jayden Daniels has been out of action since dislocating his left elbow during a Week 2 game against the Dallas Cowboys. Although Daniels did not undergo surgery or go on injured reserve and was limited in practice on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday last week, the coaching staff ruled him out for the trip to London.

The Commanders (1-3) hold last place in the NFC East behind the New York Giants (3-1), Philadelphia Eagles (2-2), and Dallas Cowboys (2-2).

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