Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota suffered an MCL sprain in his right knee during Sunday’s 30-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in London. The Marcus Mariota injury is an aggravation of a knee issue he dealt with in the preseason, per NFL.com, and it leaves Washington’s quarterback situation in flux as Jayden Daniels works his way back from his own injury.
Mariota went down in the first quarter and did not return. Rookie Athan Kaliakmanis, who opened the season as the third option on the depth chart, took over and went 15-of-33 for 186 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The loss dropped Washington to 1-3 heading into Week 5 at home against the New York Giants.
Mariota’s Role And The Marcus Mariota Injury Impact
Before the MCL sprain, Mariota was a steady fill-in while Daniels recovered from his elbow injury. In two starts, Mariota went 64.7% for 340 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions, per NBC Sports. He defeated the defending-champion Seahawks in Week 3 before the Indianapolis loss. The MCL sprain has no announced timeline for recovery.
Washington is also without left tackle Laremy Tunsil (torn left triceps) and receiver Jaylin Lane, who suffered a fractured and dislocated left ankle in Sunday’s game and is expected to miss the rest of the season, per FOX Sports. Terry McLaurin’s hamstring injury has further depleted the offense.
Daniels’ Practice Return And What It Means For Week 5
Daniels was limited in practice Wednesday, Thursday and Friday last week, per NBC Sports. The Commanders are hopeful he can play Sunday against the Giants, with practice participation this week a key factor in his availability. If Daniels returns to the practice field and shows no setbacks, he could be back under center as soon as Sunday.
If Daniels is not available, Kaliakmanis is the likely option to start again with Mariota sidelined by the MCL sprain. Washington has not announced a starter for Week 5.
What’s Next
Washington hosts the Giants on Sunday in Week 5. New York is 3-1. Updates on Daniels’ practice status and any announcement of a starting quarterback should come this week as the Commanders prepare for a must-win matchup to salvage their season.
Reporting from FOX Sports, NBC Sports, Sporting News and NFL.com contributed to this story.
