Mariota out for season
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota suffers MCL sprain, expected to miss regular season
Washington Commanders backup quarterback Marcus Mariota has a sprained medial collateral ligament — the MCL — in his right knee, according to Associated Press. The injury happened during the team's preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins.
Mariota, 32, is expected to miss the regular season because of the injury, according to Daily Item. It remains unclear how the Commanders plan to fill the backup quarterback spot going forward.
How Mariota Got Hurt in Preseason Opener
The injury took place during Washington's first preseason game against Miami. Mariota hurt his right knee during that contest, according to Las Vegas Sun. The team has not yet said exactly how the injury happened during the game.
An MCL sprain is a tear or stretch of the ligament on the inside of the knee. Sprains range from mild to severe. A serious MCL injury can keep a player off the field for weeks or even months.
Mariota's Role on the Commanders Roster
Mariota joined Washington as the backup behind starting quarterback Jayden Daniels. The 32-year-old veteran has played for several NFL teams since entering the league in 2015. He was brought in to provide experience behind the young starter.
Losing a backup quarterback this early in the preseason is a real concern. The Commanders now have a gap at the second QB spot, according to WOKV. The team must decide quickly how to handle the situation before the regular season begins.
Commanders Have No Clear Plan at Backup QB
As of now, the Commanders have not announced a move to replace Mariota. The team has not said whether they will sign a free agent or promote a player from within, according to News4Jax. The regular season is just weeks away, putting pressure on the front office to act.
Several veteran backup quarterbacks remain available in free agency. Washington will likely need to add depth soon. Starter Jayden Daniels cannot be left without a proven backup heading into the season.
What Comes Next for Mariota and Washington
Mariota's season is effectively over before it started. MCL sprains that require this much time off are typically Grade 2 or Grade 3 injuries — meaning significant ligament damage. Recovery timelines for that level of sprain often run two to four months, according to The Telegraph.
The Commanders will monitor Mariota's recovery but are unlikely to count on him returning this year. Washington's front office faces a key decision at a position that has caused the franchise headaches for years. How they respond in the coming days will shape their depth chart for the 2025 season.
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