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Mariota Injured, Commanders Turn to Rookie Kaliakmanis
Confirmed
In Short: Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota left Sunday's game against the Colts with a knee injury, prompting the team to turn to seventh-round rookie Athan Kaliakmanis.
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota was sidelined early in Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts due to a knee injury, leaving the team to turn to third-string quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, a seventh-round rookie out of Rutgers.
Mariota, who had been starting in place of Jayden Daniels, who is out with a dislocated left elbow, was injured on the second series of the game when his right knee appeared to bend as he was sacked by Colts defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore.
After a brief stint in the medical tent, Mariota walked to the locker room for further evaluation, officially listed as questionable to return.
Kaliakmanis, the 223rd overall pick in April's draft, got his first career NFL snaps as the Commanders' third-string quarterback.
Despite the injury, Mariota had been off to a strong start against the Colts, completing three of four passes for 46 yards and also running for a 35-yard gain.
The Commanders scored field goals on each of their first two possessions with Mariota at the helm.
Coach Dan Quinn expressed surprise at the injury, noting, 'I loved everything about the first half, how he was playing, what we did.... Total surprise to see it.'
Quinn also highlighted Mariota's leadership, saying, 'There’s nobody easier to rally around than (Mariota).'
The team does not have a fourth quarterback on the roster behind Daniels, Mariota, and Kaliakmanis; Sam Hartman is on the practice squad.
Quinn indicated that he might have an update on Daniels on Thursday or Friday but declined to share a timeline for the quarterback's return to play.
Quinn also noted that Kaliakmanis would not require significant changes to the offensive system, stating, 'The biggest thing is: What do you want to feature with Marcus that you didn’t with Jayden? It won’t be exactly the same, but fortunately there will be a lot of similarities.'
What this adds
The Commanders' injury woes extend beyond the quarterback position, with starting right guard Sam Cosmi also out for a second game.
What's confirmed
- Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota was sidelined early in Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts due to a knee injury, leaving the team to turn to third-string quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, a seventh-round rookie out of Rutgers.
- Mariota, who had been starting in place of Jayden Daniels, who is out with a dislocated left elbow, was injured on the second series of the game when his right knee appeared to bend as he was sacked by Colts defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore.
- After a brief stint in the medical tent, Mariota walked to the locker room for further evaluation, officially listed as questionable to return.
- Kaliakmanis, the 223rd overall pick in April's draft, got his first career NFL snaps as the Commanders' third-string quarterback.
- Despite the injury, Mariota had been off to a strong start against the Colts, completing three of four passes for 46 yards and also running for a 35-yard gain.
- The Commanders scored field goals on each of their first two possessions with Mariota at the helm.
- The team does not have a fourth quarterback on the roster behind Daniels, Mariota, and Kaliakmanis; Sam Hartman is on the practice squad.
- Quinn indicated that he might have an update on Daniels on Thursday or Friday but declined to share a timeline for the quarterback's return to play.
What's still developing
- Mariota is in his third season with Washington and has started 10 games.
- Mariota led Washington to a 33-31 win over the Seattle Seahawks last week, throwing for 183 yards and three touchdowns.
- “He had imaging done (on Monday),” Quinn said.
- “The freak ones like this, it’s hard to explain,” Quinn said.
- Quinn later said he doesn't anticipate new offensive coordinator David Blough needing to change his system much with Mariota taking over.
- Team Insider JP Finlay spoke with Washington Commanders fans in London about how they’re celebrating ahead of the team’s game against the Colts.