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Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota sprained his MCL in the team’s preseason win over the Miami Dolphins on Friday, according to two league sources who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. Although his timetable for return is not yet clear, he is likely done for the rest of preseason, at least.
Mariota started and played four snaps before leaving the game with the injury. He appeared to first injure his knee on a third-down pass play, when Dolphins linebacker Tyrel Dodson landed hard on him after the quarterback threw a 22-yard completion to receiver Dyami Brown.
Mariota stayed in for another play — a run by rookie back Kaytron Allen — but limped while handing off the ball and dropped to the ground right after, sending Commanders athletic trainers onto the field.
Mariota patted his right knee while they examined him, but walked off the field on his own power. He later went back to the locker room and did not return.
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The injury is the latest setback for a team that earlier lost left tackle Laremy Tunsil indefinitely to a torn triceps. Starting center Nick Allegretti (calf), cornerback Trey Amos (ankle) and tight end John Bates have also missed the majority of training camp and the preseason opener because of injuries.
Mariota, 32, first joined the Commanders in 2024, following stints in Tennessee, Las Vegas, Atlanta and Philadelphia. A former Heisman Trophy winner and 2015 first-round pick by the Titans, Mariota was instrumental to Washington’s first season under coach Dan Quinn, serving as a backup and mentor to starter Jayden Daniels. Last season, he was also the team’s starter for eight games as Daniels dealt with three injuries that sidelined him.
Mariota re-signed to one-year deals in each of the last two seasons, ensuring Washington’s quarterbacks room remains intact amid an offensive overhaul this offseason, with the appointment of David Blough as coordinator.
Washington also has Sam Hartman and rookie Athan Kaliakmanis at quarterback, but neither have game experience. Should Mariota’s recovery extend into the regular season, the team may look for outside help to back up Daniels in the interim.
This story will be updated.
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