Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) passes the ball against the Seattle Seahawks at Northwest Stadium.
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Quarterback injuries have been too commonplace for the Washington Commanders franchise. Back in 1985, Joe Theismann suffered what is still considered by many to be the most gruesome injury in NFL history. Robert Griffin III was the Rookie of the Year in 2012, but he suffered career-altering knee injuries that same year.
Even now, Jayden Daniels hasn't been able to buck the injury bug. The 2024 Rookie of the Year spent plenty of time sidelined last season and is currently out with a dislocated elbow. His backup, Marcus Mariota, impressed in his place in Week 3, just to suffer an MCL injury during the Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.
Dan Quinn confirmed the injury was, in fact, an MCL injury, but the coach said the extent of the injury won't be known until further testing is done on Monday. The Commanders lost the game that took place in London, England, by a score of 30-13, as third-stringer Athan Kaliakmanis was unproductive when thrust into action.
Mariota has a history of MCL injuries. He partially tore his MCL in college at Oregon and has endured MCL sprains in the NFL. The former number two pick has extended his career as one of the best backups in the league, but injury issues have always been his biggest enemy.
The good news is that Daniels may be able to return to action next week. The starting QB was questionable for the Week 4 matchup earlier in the week but was ultimately held out, largely because the Commanders game was played overseas.