Marcus Mariota injury: Commanders QB to locker room vs. Colts

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The Washington Commanders are facing a mounting injury situation at quarterback.

With Jayden Daniels sidelined after dislocating his left elbow, Marcus Mariota earned his second consecutive start on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts in London. But now the backup is headed to the locker room after an awkward sack, and having suffered an apparent knee injury.

Mariota was injured on this play against the Colts:

Marcus Mariota -
Seems fine but got up slow and limping after this play, had his legs bent awkwardly underneath him.
Notably limped around Week 2 too.
Has long history of knee injuries. pic.twitter.com/ICHXiRje1k

- Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) October 4, 2026

Mariota is headed to the locker room for further evaluation. The team officially listed him as questionable to return with a knee injury:

QB Marcus Mariota (knee) is questionable to return pic.twitter.com/JLmuvgEFyX

- Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 4, 2026

With Daniels down and Mariota in the locker room, Washington has turned to rookie third-string quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis. A seventh-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Kaliakmanis began his collegiate career at Minnesota, before transferring to Rutgers.

He completed 24-of-37 passes for 294 yards in preseason action, and secured the QB3 spot over Sam Hartman.