Commanders’ Mariota exits preseason opener with injury

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota exited the team’s preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins with an apparent non-contact injury. Mariota, who started in place of Jayden Daniels, limped off the field after handing off to running back Kaytron Allen, though he was not touched. Rookie Sam Hartman replaced him. The severity of the injury is currently unclear.

The incident occurred shortly after the game began, with Mariota completing only one pass—a 22-yard throw to wide receiver Dyami Brown—across two attempts in four offensive snaps. Reports suggest the injury may have originated from a previous play where Mariota took a shot after delivering that pass, or potentially during the handoff itself.

Mariota was seen patting his knee before heading to the locker room with assistant head athletic trainer Mark McCracken. The Washington Commanders chose not to start Jayden Daniels for this matchup, opting instead for Mariota to begin the season’s preparations.

Rookie quarterback Sam Hartman entered the game following Mariota’s departure. Hartman led the offence to its first points of the preseason via a 29-yard field goal by kicker Jake Moody. Fellow rookie Athan Kaliakmanis remains on the roster, and the injury may impact the competition for the third quarterback spot.

The Washington Commanders are currently navigating the early stages of their preseason schedule. The outcome of this injury will likely influence the depth chart decisions as the team finalises its roster ahead of the regular season.