Commanders’ QB Marcus Mariota to miss remainder of preseason with MCL sprain

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota will miss the remainder of the preseason after sustaining a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee, head coach Dan Quinn confirmed on Sunday. Quinn said he remains optimistic that the veteran backup will be available for the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 13. Mariota suffered the injury during Friday’s 20‑7 preseason victory over the Miami Dolphins. He played only four snaps before leaving the field after a play in which he completed a pass to wide receiver Dyami Brown and was subsequently hit by Dolphins linebacker Tyrel Dodson. Mariota was evaluated at the medical tent before heading to the locker room. The 32‑year‑old is entering his third season with Washington and remains the primary backup to starter Jayden Daniels. He re‑signed with the Commanders in March on a one‑year contract worth $7 million. In 2023 Mariota appeared in 11 games, making eight starts, completing 139 of 227 passes for 1,695 yards, ten touchdowns and seven interceptions while also rushing for 297 yards and a touchdown. With Mariota sidelined, Washington is expected to give additional preseason repetitions to Sam Hartman and rookie Athan Kaliakmanis. The Commanders still have preseason games left against the Detroit Lions on August 22 and the Baltimore Ravens on August 28, though Quinn indicated the team does not presently anticipate Mariota playing in either contest.