Mariota ruled out with knee injury; Commanders turn to rookie Kaliakmanis

Washington ruled Marcus Mariota out of Sunday’s game against Indianapolis with a knee injury, forcing rookie Athan Kaliakmanis into his first NFL regular-season appearance. The Commanders were already without Jayden Daniels, leaving the third quarterback on their Week 4 depth chart to take over in London.

Mariota was hurt on a third-down sack in the first quarter. NFL.com reported that Colts edge rusher Laiatu Latu landed on his right leg. The veteran went to the locker room after the play, and Washington initially described him as questionable to return before downgrading him to out. The team’s final injury notice also ruled defensive end Charles Omenihu out with a groin injury.

The Associated Press reported that coach Dan Quinn confirmed at halftime that Mariota would not return. That confirmation settled his availability for the remainder of the game. It did not provide a diagnosis or a timetable beyond Sunday, so the ruling should not be treated as an announcement about next week.

Mariota completed three of four passes for 46 yards and ran once for 35 yards before leaving, according to NFL.com. His exit came after Washington had opened an early lead, but the more lasting development is the new uncertainty at a position that had already required a change of starter.

The Commanders’ unofficial depth chart, released Sept. 29, listed Daniels first, Mariota second and Kaliakmanis third. Daniels was inactive Sunday while recovering from his left-elbow injury. That makes Kaliakmanis’ appearance a second change at quarterback, rather than the planned replacement for Daniels who began the game.

Kaliakmanis was selected out of Rutgers in the seventh round at No. 223 overall. NFL.com reported that he became the first quarterback from the 2026 draft to take a regular-season snap. Washington’s live blog confirmed his entry after Mariota went to the locker room and later recorded his first touchdown pass, a 47-yard connection with Treylon Burks in the third quarter.

For fantasy and roster managers, Sunday changes the immediate quarterback picture without settling Washington’s next starter. Managers who had used Mariota as a replacement for Daniels lost that option during the game. Kaliakmanis is now the player to track for actual snaps and passing opportunities, while both veterans’ health will determine how durable that role becomes.

Washington’s next quarterback decision will require separate updates on Daniels’ recovery and Mariota’s knee. A game-day out designation answers whether Mariota can return against Indianapolis; it does not establish which quarterback will be available for the next practice week.