Overview
- Mariota left the Commanders’ preseason game after a non-contact leg injury following a handoff, walking gingerly to the locker room and having completed a single 22-yard pass before exiting Friday.
- Washington announced on social media that Sam Hartman was in the game to replace Mariota but did not provide any immediate medical details about the injury.
- With starter Jayden Daniels held out of the preseason opener, Hartman and Athan Kaliakmanis received extended playing time and now factor more directly into the backup and QB3 competition.
- Mariota has a history of knee problems that makes this episode notable, but his roster spot as the veteran backup is considered secure pending the team’s medical evaluation.
- The Commanders are expected to perform further examinations and imaging to determine severity and timing for a return, and coach Dan Quinn indicated the team may offer more information in the days ahead.