More quarterback troubles for the Washington Commanders.
Marcus Mariota’s afternoon against the Indianapolis Colts came to an abrupt halt Sunday after the Commanders quarterback suffered a right knee injury and is questionable to return to the contest.
Mariota was taken down on a sack during Washington’s second offensive drive when his right knee and ankle appeared to bend awkwardly as he was rolled up on by the Colts defender. Mariota got up and walked off the field under his own power.
After initially coming off the field, Mariota went into the blue medical tent to be evaluated. He was later shown walking down the tunnel toward the locker room, while backup quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis began warming up on the sideline.
The Commanders entered
the game already without starting quarterback Jayden Daniels, who was ruled out with a left elbow injury. That made Mariota Washington’s starter for his second straight game.
Marcus Mariota is heading to the medical tent after taking a hit from Laiatu Latu.
— Aggregate (@AggregateSports) October 4, 2026
Definitely something to monitor for Washington. pic.twitter.com/vBMDxRiCTT
The team called it a knee injury.
His departure leaves Washington in a difficult position against Indianapolis, with Kaliakmanis appearing poised to take over at quarterback. A seventh-round pick from Rutgers in the 2026 NFL Draft, Kaliakmanis enters into a difficult situation for his first NFL action.
For now, the focus will be on Mariota’s evaluation and whether he can return to the game. The fact that he was able to walk to the locker room under his own power provides some context, but the severity of the injury remains unknown.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders QB Marcus Mariota departs game vs Colts with knee injury
