Commanders Facing Bleak QB Outlook After Marcus Mariota Injury
Commanders backup quarterback Marcus Mariota left Sunday's loss early with injury, causing third-string Athan Kaliakmanis to play.
The Washington Commanders experienced setbacks in consecutive games in London, starting with a 30-13 defeat against the Indianapolis Colts. Quarterback Marcus Mariota suffered a setback to his MCL injury during the match, re-aggravating it after being tackled by Colts defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore. Following the incident, Mariota was assessed in the medical facility and subsequently withdrawn from the game.
ESPN's Molly McGrath reported that Mariota is expected to undergo further tests and may miss additional time, as he had previously sustained the same injury on August 15 during their preseason opener, which kept him sidelined until August 31.
In the absence of Mariota, rookie seventh-round pick Athan Kaliakmanis took his place in the starting lineup. Kaliakmanis contributed 186 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception in Washington's loss. However, he is unlikely to secure his first NFL start, as QB1 Jayden Daniels is anticipated to return to the lineup in Week 5 against the New York Giants.
Daniels had been sidelined due to a dislocated left elbow, an injury he sustained last season. The Ringer's Tom Pelissero had indicated that Washington intended to begin Daniels against the Giants, a move that became increasingly pertinent following Mariota's likely extended absence.
Despite the early-season injury issues, Commanders coach Dan Quinn expressed optimism about the team's prospects in his post-game press conference. "A good fire has been lit and it will stay lit," Quinn stated, emphasizing his continued faith in the team's resilience. However, he acknowledged the challenge of overcoming the team's injury predicaments.
Daniels, who has yet to secure a victory this season, faces a significant challenge as the Commanders' only triumph thus far came against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3, with Mariota leading the team's offense. The Commanders will next confront the New York Giants, a team grappling with its own quarterback uncertainty.
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