Marcus Mariota Ruled Out Against Colts; Commanders Turn to Rookie Athan Kaliakmanis

Marcus Mariota exited Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts with a right knee injury, leading to the NFL debut of seventh-round rookie Athan Kaliakmanis.

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota was ruled out at halftime of Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts after suffering a right knee injury during the second series. According to ESPN’s John Keim, head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that Mariota aggravated a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury originally sustained during the preseason. The injury occurred on a third-and-goal sack by defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore at the 6-yard line. Before exiting, Mariota completed passes for 46 yards and recorded a 35-yard gain on a zone-read run.

With franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels sidelined for a second consecutive week due to a dislocated left elbow, the Commanders turned to seventh-round rookie Athan Kaliakmanis. The former Minnesota and Rutgers passer took his first career NFL snaps in relief of Mariota. Washington entered the contest already missing wide receiver Terry McLaurin due to a hamstring injury and starting right guard Sam Cosmi.

The Commanders' depth was further tested as defensive end Charles Omenihu was ruled out at halftime with a groin injury. In the third quarter, wide receiver Jaylin Lane was carted off the field following a left ankle injury sustained during a kickoff return. Mariota, who is in his third season with Washington, had previously led the team to a 33-31 victory over the Seattle Seahawks one week prior, throwing for 183 yards and three touchdowns in that appearance.