Marcus Mariota MCL sprain to miss preseason, aims Week 1

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota has a sprained medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his right knee, an injury he sustained during the team’s preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins. Officials said the veteran will be held out for the rest of the exhibition schedule, while the team expects him to be available for the regular-season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 13.

Mariota was injured in the first quarter of Friday’s 20-7 win. He left the game after pivoting during a handoff, and did not return.

Dan Quinn says team is optimistic for Sept. 13 Head coach Dan Quinn said he is optimistic Mariota will be ready for Washington’s first regular-season game. The club has also opted not to sign another quarterback, a decision that signals confidence in the recovery timeline described by the team.

The setback extends a recent pattern for Mariota: this is the third consecutive training camp in which he has dealt with an injury issue. Officials noted that he opened the 2022 season on injured reserve with a pectoral strain, and he missed the entire 2023 preseason due to a lower leg strain.

Mariota’s recent role behind Jayden Daniels

Mariota is in his third season with Washington and served as an important backup to Jayden Daniels during the 2023 season. He appeared in 11 games and made eight starts, finishing with 1,695 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.

Team notes also highlight that Mariota helped deliver two wins after replacing an injured Daniels in 2023. One of those moments came in the regular-season finale against Dallas, when he threw a game-winning pass with two seconds remaining.

Other injuries shape early roster decisions

Washington also provided updates on several other players as preseason games continue and roster roles are evaluated. Center Nick Allegretti, who is favored to win the starting job, and tight end John Bates are expected to return to practice Tuesday after missing time since July 29 with calf and hamstring strains, respectively.

Starting cornerback Trey Amos returned to practice on August 7 after beginning camp on the physically unable to perform list. He later suffered an ankle injury and is continuing rehabilitation, the team said.

Running back Jeremy McNichols will be out for several weeks with a quad injury. Officials said the remaining preseason schedule will create chances for other players to show readiness as the Commanders prepare for the regular season with multiple contributors not yet at full strength.