The Washington Commanders are once again preparing for life without star quarterback Jayden Daniels.
In Week 2, Daniels suffered an elbow injury. Yes, it’s the same elbow Daniels hurt last year and missed most of the season because of it. It’s extremely disappointing to see this happen again, because the Commanders were really hoping to get a healthy 2026 season.
Instead, the team will turn to veteran Marcus Mariota once again. Mariota has plenty of starting experience and has had some nice moments with the Commanders, but he obviously doesn’t have the upside that Daniels does.
Mariota’s backup will be rookie Athan Kaliakmanis. Kaliakmanis impressed during the summer and did enough to earn an active roster spot. The rookie recently revealed his
process and way of thinking as he prepares to suit up in Week 3.
Kaliakmanis is ready for anything
Speaking with the media ahead of Week 3, Kaliakmanis showed his unique mindset. The Minnesota and Rutgers product talked about how he’s having to work harder than he’s ever worked,
“You just never know. You never know what’s going to happen; you never know when it’s going to be your time,” Kaliakmanis said. “So I’m just preparing like I am the starter.”
Athan Kaliakmanis on preparing for the backup role pic.twitter.com/gzM60GEO8g
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) September 24, 2026
This is a very mature outlook from Kaliakmanis. He’s right that you never know what’s going to happen in an NFL game, and he’s now one snap away from being a starter in the league.
“I’m preparing like I am the starter, so when I am, or if I am one day, if I get that opportunity, then I don’t have to do anything different; I can just go with my routine now,” Kaliakmanis said.
The Commanders did receive good news on Daniels this week. He will not need surgery, nor will he go on injured reserve. He is considered week-to-week at this point. After Sunday’s game against the Seahawks, the Commanders head to London for next week’s game. So Kaliakmanis will likely serve as Mariota's backup for at least the next two weeks.
Kaliakmanis started games in college for Minnesota and Rutgers. The quarterback threw for 8,604 career yards with 55 touchdowns and 27 interceptions during his college career. Kaliakmanis also rushed for 459 total yards and 10 rushing scores, so he can be a threat with his legs when needed.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders' Athan Kaliakmanis reveals unique approach ahead of Week 3
