Commanders Turn to Rookie QB Kaliakmanis After Mariota Injury

The Washington Commanders are now relying on their third-string quarterback, Athan Kaliakmanis, following an injury to backup Marcus Mariota. Mariota, who was starting for the second consecutive week in place of the injured Jayden Daniels, left Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts in London with a knee injury. Initially considered questionable, he was officially ruled out at the beginning of the third quarter.

Mariota sustained the injury while being tackled by the Colts' Adetomiwa Adebawore and Laiatu Latu. Before exiting, the 32-year-old completed 3 of 4 passes for 46 yards and had a 35-yard run. Last week, Mariota led the Commanders to an upset victory over the Seahawks, finishing with 183 yards and three touchdowns.

The Commanders turned to seventh-round rookie Athan Kaliakmanis, a transfer from Rutgers, to take over under center. In the first half, Kaliakmanis completed 6 of 12 passes for 33 yards as the Commanders trailed 10-6 at halftime. Early in the third quarter, the rookie connected with Treylon Burks for a 47-yard touchdown, narrowing the deficit to 17-13.

Kaliakmanis, 23, had a 20-22 record as a starter at Rutgers, where he threw for 5,820 yards, 38 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions over two seasons. He transferred from Minnesota after the 2023 season.

While starting quarterback Jayden Daniels missed his second straight game due to a dislocated elbow, he is reportedly targeting a return against the New York Giants next Sunday. Reports indicate Daniels will require surgery on his elbow eventually, though he is expected to postpone the procedure until after the season.