Kaliakmanis replaces injured Mariota as Commanders lose to Colts in London

The Washington Commanders suffered a setback after losing their starting quarterback Jayden Daniels to a knee injury sustained in Week 2. Mariota took over the starting role, but it was short-lived as he was forced out of the game after two drives due to a knee injury sustained during a sack. Rookie Athan Kaliakmanis, a seventh-round draft pick from Rutgers, entered the game to replace Mariota.

Coach Dan Quinn noted that Kaliakmanis showed confidence and fearlessness in his brief time on the field, although he felt the team did not do enough to support him. The Commanders fell to the Indianapolis Colts 30-13 in a match held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Quarterback Kaliakmanis completed 15 of 33 passes for 186 yards, including a 47-yard touchdown pass to Treylon Burks, but the team ultimately failed to capitalize on their opportunities.