Commanders QB Marcus Mariota Injures Knee in London Loss to Colts

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota injured his right knee in Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts in London and was ruled out, in a game the Commanders lost 30-13, according to the Associated Press and Newsweek. AP reported Mariota was knocked out of the game in the first quarter, while Fox News said the team initially listed him as questionable to return with a right knee injury and ruled him out after halftime; Newsweek said he was evaluated in the medical tent, walked to the locker room and was ruled out for the remainder of the game. [ 1 , 2 , 4 ]

Accounts of the play differ in detail. AP reported that with the Commanders ahead 3-0, Mariota was sacked at the Indianapolis 11 by Adetomiwa Adebawore and Laiatu Latu on third down, walked gingerly to the sideline, and that Drew Stevens then kicked a field goal for a 6-0 lead; AP said the drive began with a 35-yard Mariota keeper around the left end. Fox News attributed the sack to Latu, who it said landed on the quarterback in the pass pocket. Newsweek said Adebawore sacked Mariota on a third-and-goal play from the 6-yard line. [ 1 , 2 , 4 ]

On the severity, AP reported that coach Dan Quinn said after the game that the injury appeared to be an MCL injury and that scans on Monday would reveal the extent of the damage and indicate how long Mariota would be out. Fox News, citing OutKick medical expert Dr. David Chao, a former San Diego Chargers chief doctor, said the concern for Mariota is an MCL injury, and noted Mariota previously had an MCL injury in 2022 that required surgery. Newsweek, citing ESPN's Molly McGrath, reported that Mariota will undergo tests on his MCL and will likely miss time, and said he sprained the MCL in his right knee on Aug. 15 in the Commanders' first preseason game, missing time until Aug. 31. [ 1 , 2 , 4 ]

Rookie Athan Kaliakmanis replaced Mariota, AP reported. Fox News said Kaliakmanis was selected by Washington in the seventh round, 223rd overall, of the 2026 NFL Draft after college stops at Minnesota and Rutgers, and AP said Washington took him out of Rutgers in the seventh round. Newsweek reported that Kaliakmanis made his NFL debut and threw for 186 yards, one touchdown and one interception. AP, citing the team's website, noted that Kaliakmanis is Greek-American, has a tattoo sleeve with the word οικογένεια, meaning family, and another icon representing Saint Athanasius of Alexandria, whom he is named after; among his nicknames, the team site lists “The Greek Rifle,” AP reported. [ 1 , 2 , 4 ]

Mariota started the game in place of Jayden Daniels. Fox News said Daniels dislocated his left elbow against the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 20 and has not played since, but returned to practice on a limited basis last week, and that the Commanders are hopeful he can return for their Week 5 game against the New York Giants; AP said Daniels had been ruled out on Friday because of an elbow injury. Newsweek, citing The Ringer's Tom Pelissero, reported that Washington was planning to start Daniels against the Giants, and said Kaliakmanis probably will not earn his first NFL start yet. [ 1 , 2 , 4 ]

Quinn struck a positive note afterwards. “A good fire has been lit and so it will stay lit,” Quinn said, via ESPN, according to Newsweek. “It has not dampened my belief in them in any way. But it is difficult to overcome some of the injuries.” [ 4 ]