Commanders' loss to Colts shows why QB1 Jayden Daniels must return ASAP

The Washington Commanders hope starting quarterback Jayden Daniels continues to heal rapidly. 

Daniels, who dislocated his left (non-throwing) elbow in a 37-20 Week 2 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, traveled to London for Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts. The Commanders, however, ruled him out. 

With Daniels on the sideline, Commanders backup QB Marcus Mariota started for a second straight game. It was short-lived. 

Marcus Mariota suffers injury against Colts 

Mariota, who went 3-of-4 passing for 46 yards, exited in the first quarter of the 30-13 Commanders loss after Colts defensive end Laiatu Latu rolled on his right leg. They ruled the QB out at halftime. 

Washington then received more bad news on Mariota, who turns 33 on Oct. 30. A report revealed that the QB aggravated an MCL injury. He will undergo tests and is expected to miss some time. 

Mariota's injury should leave Washington feeling even more apprehensive about its QB situation, especially after rookie QB Athan Kaliakmanis struggled when he entered. 

Athan Kaliakmanis floundered against Colts 

Now, to Kaliakmanis' credit, he didn't look utterly incompetent. He finished 15-of-33 passing for 186 yards, one touchdown and one interception. 

That said, it's apparent Kaliakmanis, pick No. 223 in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft, lacks the arm talent and playmaking ability needed to carry the Commanders offense. On a 3rd-and-17 at Washington's 24-yard line, the former Rutgers Scarlet Knights star tossed an interception to Colts linebacker Jaylon Carlies while aiming to throw on the move.