Athan Kaliakmanis Washington Commanders
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The Washington Commanders have another quarterback injury.
Veteran Marcus Mariota suffered a lower-body injury in the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday morning. NFL Network cameras caught Mariota first entering the injury tent and then walking on his own to the locker room.
The NFL Network broadcast and insider Ian Rapoport both reported Mariota is having his right knee evaluated. The veteran is questionable to return to the contest against the Colts.
On the next Commanders offensive drive, rookie Athan Kaliakmanis entered the game.
The Commanders drafted Kaliakmanis in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Here’s more information about the rookie signal-caller.
Who Is Commanders QB Athan Kaliakmanis?
Athan Kaliakmanis Washington Commanders
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Kaliakmanis entered the 2026 NFL campaign as the QB3 for Washington. He appeared to be sitting in a good spot to develop as a rookie behind both Jayden Daniels and Mariota.
But Daniels left Week 2 because of an elbow injury. The Commanders starting quarterback continued to be out of the lineup Sunday against the Colts.
That left Kaliakmanis as the team’s backup for the second consecutive week. Kaliakmanis didn’t play in his first contest as a backup on September 27. But he might play extensive snaps with Mariota out versus the Colts.
Where Did Kaliakmanis Play College Football?
Athan Kaliakmanis Washington Commanders
GettyQuarterback Athan Kaliakmanis played college football at Minnesota and Rutgers.
Kaliakmanis split his four seasons at the college level between Minnesota and Rutgers. In two seasons at Minnesota, Kaliakmanis started 17 games. In 23 games overall, he threw for 2,784 yards with 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
Remaining in the Big Ten conference, the signal-caller transferred to Rutgers prior to the 2024 campaign. He posted career-highs with the Scarlet Knights in his first season and then surpassed those totals again last season.
In two years at Rutgers, Kaliakmanis registered a 57.9% completion percentage, 5,820 passing yards and 38 touchdowns with 14 interceptions. He averaged 7.6 yards per pass.
As a senior in 2025, Kaliakmanis had 3,124 passing yards and 20 touchdowns versus seven interceptions. He posted 8.5 yards per attempt.
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Dave Holcomb is a sports reporter covering the NFL and MLB for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Pittsburgh Steelers and a variety of other NFL teams. Originally from Pittsburgh, Holcomb has covered college and professional sports for outlets including FanSided, Rotowire and Yardbarker. More about Dave Holcomb
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