Commanders QB Mariota injures his knee in game vs. Colts
Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore (95) reacts after Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (8), left, was sacked during an NFL football game in London, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. Credit: AP/David J. Phillip
LONDON — Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota was knocked out of Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts in the first quarter with a knee injury.
After Washington's 30-13 loss, coach Dan Quinn said it appeared to be an MCL injury and that scans on Monday would reveal the extent of the damage and indicate how long Mariota would be out.
Washington was already without starter Jayden Daniels, who had been ruled out Friday because of an elbow injury, so third-stringer Athan Kaliakmanis was called into action.
With the Commanders ahead 3-0, Mariota was sacked at the Indy 11 by Adetomiwa Adebawore and Laiatu Latu on third down. Mariota walked gingerly to the sideline, and Drew Stevens kicked a field goal for a 6-0 lead.
That drive started with a Mariota keeper around the left end that went for 35 yards.
The Commanders selected Kaliakmanis out of Rutgers in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL draft.
The team's website notes that Kaliakmanis is a proud Greek-American: “Kaliakmanis’ family is Greek, and he wears his heritage with pride. He has a tattoo sleeve on his left arm with the word οικογένεια, which means family, and another icon representing Saint Athanasius of Alexandria, whom (he) is named after.”
Indianapolis Colts defensive end Jaylahn Tuimoloau (91) puts pressure on a pass by Washington Commanders quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) during an NFL football game in London, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. Credit: AP/David J. Phillip
Among Kaliakmanis' nicknames: “The Greek Rifle."
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