The Washington Commanders faced another quarterback setback during their Week 4 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts in London, as Marcus Mariota left the game with a right knee injury.
Mariota was starting in place of injured quarterback Jayden Daniels, making the situation particularly significant for Washington. Rookie Athan Kaliakmanis stepped in after Mariota exited.
Marcus Mariota Leaves Commanders Game With Knee Injury
Mariota was injured during Washington’s second offensive possession at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. His right leg became trapped underneath a Colts defender as he was taken down for a six-yard loss.
Indianapolis defensive lineman Laiatu Latu landed on Mariota’s lower right leg, causing his knee to bend awkwardly. Medical staff examined him on the field before Mariota entered the blue medical tent.
He later walked to the locker room under his own power for additional testing and was listed as questionable to return. He ultimately did not come back.
Mariota Was Already Filling In for Jayden Daniels
The injury creates another major problem for the Washington Commanders. Mariota had been promoted to the starting role because Daniels is sidelined with a dislocated elbow.
Before leaving, Mariota completed 3 of 4 passes for 46 yards and added a 35-yard rushing attempt. His mobility had been an important part of Washington’s offensive approach.
Rookie Athan Kaliakmanis took over at quarterback following Mariota’s departure.
Commanders Score Before Mariota’s Exit
Washington had already built an early advantage before Mariota’s injury.
The Commanders recovered a Daniel Jones fumble deep in Colts territory and turned the takeaway into a 31-yard field goal from Drew Stevens. Washington later added another three points with a 29-yard Stevens field goal following the drive that ended with Mariota’s sack.
Mariota’s 35-yard run helped put the Commanders in position for that second scoring opportunity.
Same Knee That Was Injured in the Preseason
The biggest concern surrounding Mariota is that the injured knee is the same one that caused problems during the preseason.
The 32-year-old previously suffered an MCL sprain in his right knee. The Commanders had not immediately confirmed whether Sunday’s injury represented a new issue or a setback from the earlier injury.
His availability would depend heavily on the results of medical testing, as well as the knee’s swelling and stability.
What It Means for Washington
The Commanders are already navigating a difficult quarterback situation, and losing Mariota would leave them relying on an inexperienced replacement.
Kaliakmanis now faces the possibility of handling significant snaps against Indianapolis. Washington will need its defense and rushing attack to provide additional support if the rookie remains under center.
The status of Mariota will therefore be one of the biggest developments to watch as the Commanders’ London game progresses.
Other Names to Watch
The game also features defensive players such as Seth McGowan and Rasul Douglas, who could become increasingly important as Washington attempts to control the Colts’ offense.
For the Commanders, however, the immediate focus remains on Mariota’s knee and whether he can return.
Washington Commanders Injury Situation
The Commanders entered the commanders game already dealing with a major quarterback absence in Daniels. Mariota’s injury adds another layer of uncertainty.
If Mariota cannot return, Washington will have to trust Kaliakmanis to guide the offense against the Indianapolis Colts. Further medical updates should provide clarity on Mariota’s condition and his availability moving forward.
For now, the Commanders’ quarterback situation remains one of the biggest storylines from their Week 4 trip to London.
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