Marcus Mariota
Quarterback #18
Marcus Mariota News
Marcus Mariota Expected to Miss Time After Aggravating MCL Injury
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (right knee) aggravated the MCL injury he first suffered during the preseason and is expected to miss some time, according to Ian Rapoport. Mariota will undergo additional testing after leaving Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts in the first quarter. He completed three of four passes for 46 yards and added a 35-yard run before going down. Rapoport also reported that there is hope Jayden Daniels (left elbow) can return in Week 5 against the New York Giants. Daniels was limited in all three practices this past week but was ruled out Friday, with Washington planning to reevaluate him after another week of work. If Daniels is not ready, rookie Athan Kaliakmanis would be next in line with Mariota now expected to miss time.
Oct 4, 2026 8:40 AM EST
Marcus Mariota Ruled Out With Right Knee Injury
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (right knee) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts. Mariota was injured on a first-quarter sack and went to the locker room after initially being listed as questionable to return. He completed three of four passes for 46 yards and also had a 35-yard run before leaving. Rookie Athan Kaliakmanis took over and completed six of 12 passes for 33 yards in the first half. Washington did not score again after Mariota exited and went into halftime trailing 10-6. Jayden Daniels (left elbow) is already out, so the Commanders are now relying on their third quarterback of the season.
Oct 4, 2026 7:25 AM EST
Marcus Mariota Questionable to Return Against Colts in Week 4
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (knee) exited during the first quarter of Sunday's Week 4 contest against the Indianapolis Colts after being sacked by two defenders on third down. The team announced that he is questionable to return. At the time of his departure, he had completed three of four pass attempts for 46 passing yards, and he also had a 35-yard rush. For the second year in a row, quarterback injuries plague the Commanders up and down the depth chart. Mariota was only playing because Jayden Daniels (elbow) was sidelined for the second week in a row after dislocating his elbow. With Mariota sidelined, Athan Kaliakmanis, a seventh-round rookie from Minnesota, has entered the game at quarterback.
Oct 4, 2026 6:18 AM EST
Marcus Mariota Profiles as High-End QB2 Against Indianapolis
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota is set to make his second start of the season, filling in for Jayden Daniels (elbow) in Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts as both teams travel across the pond to play in London. Mariota was very effective in Week 3 versus a stout Seattle Seahawks defense, completing 19 of 31 passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns and adding five rushes for 11 yards on the ground. The 32-year-old signal caller finished as the QB13 in Week 3 with 20.4 fantasy points, and he could be primed for another productive day against a Colts defense that is allowing the fifth-most fantasy points (21.9) and third-most passing yards per game (276) to opposing quarterbacks through three games. Mariota profiles as a high-end QB2 in this matchup and ranks as RotoBaller's QB17 for Week 4, even with his top wideout, Terry McLaurin, not expected to suit up.
Oct 3, 2026 8:08 AM EST
Marcus Mariota Will Start Against Colts
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota will start in Week 4's matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. With starting quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) ruled out for Sunday's game, Mariota will start again, as Daniels has time to recover before the bye week. In his start last week against the Seattle Seahawks, Mariota completed 19 of 31 passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Commanders to a win over the defending champions. The former second-overall pick has produced as the starter when Daniels has been sidelined, averaging 17.4 fantasy points per game in starts over the past two seasons. Fantasy managers should consider Mariota a high-end QB2 in an ideal matchup, as the Colts are struggling to stop the pass.
Oct 2, 2026 5:42 AM EST
Marcus Mariota Remains One of the NFL's Best Backup Quarterbacks and a Potential Week 4 Streamer
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota threw three touchdown passes in Sunday's upset victory over the Seahawks, finishing the week as the fantasy QB13. The veteran backup has now averaged 17.7 fantasy points across his last nine starts, topping 21 points four times in that span. Jayden Daniels (elbow) is expected to travel with the team to London, but his status remains up in the air, and after gutting out a victory against one of the league's premier defensive units, Mariota could be in line for a second start against an Indianapolis Colts team that has allowed the third most passing yards through three weeks. Still possessing elite rushing upside even at nearly 33 years old, Mariota makes for a strong potential streaming option in Week 4.
Sep 29, 2026 9:50 AM EST
Marcus Mariota Set to Make First Start Against Seahawks
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota is in line to make his first start of the 2026 season in Week 3 against the Seattle Seahawks after Jayden Daniels (elbow) suffered a second elbow dislocation in Washington's Week 2 loss to the Cowboys. Mariota was efficient in the second half after Daniels left, completing 11 of 16 passes for 111 yards and a touchdown. In 11 games (8 starts) last season, Mariota averaged 154.1 passing yards per game with 10 touchdowns to 7 interceptions while adding 27 rushing yards per game and one score on the ground last season. The former No. 2 overall pick averaged just 12.3 fantasy points per game last season and faces a daunting matchup in Washington's home opener against the reigning Super Bowl champs and Mike Macdonald's defense. Mariota profiles as a low-end QB2 in Week 3, ranking as RotoBaller's QB24.
Sep 26, 2026 8:48 AM EST
Marcus Mariota a Waiver Priority in Superflex Leagues
Washington Commanders backup quarterback Marcus Mariota has become a waiver-wire priority in two-QB superflex leagues going into a Week 3 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Starting signal-caller Jayden Daniels (elbow) suffered another dislocated elbow in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys after he missed time last year with the same injury. Daniels is most likely going to miss multiple weeks, which makes the 32-year-old veteran Mariota more interesting as a short-term option in fantasy. In relief of Daniels on Sunday, Mariota went 11-for-16 passing for 111 yards and a touchdown in the 37-20 blowout loss in Dallas. Mariota will have a pretty low floor this Sunday if he starts against Seattle's stout defense, but his waiver-wire argument is based more on the fact that Daniels will probably end up missing multiple weeks. The former second overall pick will not come with much upside overall, but he has plenty of experience (12 NFL seasons, 105 career games) and has some decent receiving options in Terry McLaurin, Stefon Diggs, and Antonio Williams. In 11 games (eight starts) for Washington last year when Daniels was injured, Mariota threw for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions while adding 50 rushing attempts for 297 yards and a TD on the ground.
Sep 22, 2026 10:21 AM EST
Marcus Mariota Expected to Start in Week 3
All signs point to Washington Commanders veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota starting this Sunday in a Week 3 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, according to Tom Pelissero of The Ringer. Starting QB Jayden Reed (elbow) underwent imaging today for his left-elbow injury, but he will consult with specialists after dislocating his elbow again in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. It is unclear how much time Daniels might have to miss this year, but at least for this week, fantasy managers should expect the 32-year-old Mariota to take over the offense in a bad matchup against a nasty Seahawks defense. All of Washington's offensive weapons should be downgraded in fantasy for as long as Mariota is leading Washington's offense. The former second overall pick in 2015 by the Tennessee Titans went 11-for-16 passing in relief of Daniels on Sunday in Dallas, throwing for 111 yards with one touchdown. He went 2-6 as a starter for the Commanders in place of Daniels in 2025 and threw for a total of 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven picks in 11 total appearances (eight starts). Mariota now becomes a waiver consideration for fantasy managers in two-QB superflex leagues who are hurting at the quarterback position.
Sep 21, 2026 11:47 AM EST
Marcus Mariota Suffers Sprained MCL, Likely Out for Rest of Preseason
Washington Commanders backup quarterback Marcus Mariota (knee) suffered a sprained MCL in the team's preseason opener on Friday against the Miami Dolphins that will likely keep him out for the rest of the preseason, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. It's unclear at this time if Mariota's knee injury will keep him sidelined going into Week 1 of the 2026 regular season versus the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Sept. 13. Either way, the Commanders might be in the market for a veteran signal-caller to provide more depth behind starter Jayden Daniels. The other QBs on the roster are Sam Hartman and undrafted rookie Athan Kaliakmanis. The 32-year-old Mariota played a big part in the Commanders' offense a year ago with Daniels only playing in seven games due to injury, although he went 2-6 in his eight starts while throwing for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in his 11 total games played.
Aug 16, 2026 7:19 AM EST
Marcus Mariota Suffers Knee Injury in Preseason Opener
Washington Commanders veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota (knee) was pointing to his right knee when athletic trainers came out to check on him during Friday's preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. Mariota was sent to the blue medical tent and was replaced by Sam Hartman at QB. The 32-year-old signal-caller played in 11 games and made eight starts in 2025 in his second year in Washington, with starter Jayden Daniels only starting seven games. Mariota went 2-6 in his eight starts, throwing for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in his 11th year in the NFL. The Commanders' QB depth behind Daniels would be in serious trouble if Mariota is dealing with a major knee injury, as they only have Hartman and rookie Athan Kaliakmanis on the QB depth chart behind Mariota. He almost certainly will not return to Friday's game against Miami, even if his knee injury turns out to be minor.
Aug 14, 2026 3:50 PM EST
Is Marcus Mariota Worth Stashing as an Injury Replacement in Dynasty Leagues?
After appearing in just six games (zero starts) between 2023 and 2024, Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota was pressed into starting duty in 2025 thanks to myriad injury issues for Washington QB1 Jayden Daniels. The veteran Mariota performed adequately, throwing for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions across 11 games (eight starts). Mariota's fantasy appeal comes from his ability to use his legs, as he rushed for 297 yards and a score on 50 attempts. With Daniels healthy heading into 2026, Mariota should slide back into a backup role. Given Daniels' injury track record dating back to his days in college, dynasty managers may want to consider stashing Mariota in a bench spot. Still, rostering Mariota is a deep-league play at best, as he offers little upside beyond capable QB2 production as he enters his age-33 season.
May 8, 2026 12:28 PM EST
Marcus Mariota Set for Backup Role in 2026
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota saw more playing time than his team probably would have preferred in 2025, thanks to Commanders QB1 Jayden Daniels' myriad injury issues. Across 11 games (eight starts), Mariota completed 61.2% of his pass attempts for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. The 32-year-old also impacts the game with his legs, recording 297 rushing yards and a score on 50 attempts. When he gets the chance to play, Mariota's dual-threat ability makes him an appealing streamer option for fantasy managers. Daniels should be fully healthy for the start of the 2026 season, which will relegate Mariota to backup duties. Still, Daniels' considerable injury track record could make Mariota worth rostering as a handcuff quarterback in deep dynasty formats.
Apr 17, 2026 12:10 PM EST
Marcus Mariota Remains an Injury Away from Playing Time in Washington
Across 11 games (eight starts) in 2025, Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota completed 65.2% of his pass attempts for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. The 32-year-old also remained a productive player with his legs, rushing for 297 yards and a touchdown on 50 attempts. Mariota was forced into more playing time than Washington would have liked in 2025, as star quarterback Jayden Daniels played in just seven games due to knee, hamstring, and elbow injuries. Still, Mariota profiles as one of the better backup quarterback options in the NFL, and the Commanders re-signed him to a one-year deal for the 2026 season in early March. When Mariota gets a chance to play, his dual-threat ability makes him a quality streaming option for fantasy managers, especially in two-quarterback formats. Given Daniels' durability question marks, Mariota should at least be on the radar of deep-league managers entering 2026.
Mar 27, 2026 11:07 AM EST
Commanders Re-Sign Marcus Mariota to One-Year Deal
The Washington Commanders re-signed backup quarterback Marcus Mariota to a one-year, $7 million deal on Monday, sources told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Mariota can make up to $11 million with performance-based incentives. In terms of experience and ability, the 32-year-old veteran is one of the top backup QB options in the NFL. Starter Jayden Daniels battled multiple injuries and missed significant time in 2025, leading to Mariota playing in 11 games (eight starts). The former second overall pick by the Tennessee Titans in 2015 out of Oregon completed 61.2% of his passes for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He also had 297 rushing yards and another score on the ground. The Commanders are hoping that Mariota won't see as much of the field in 2026, though, which would mean Daniels has been able to stay healthy in his third NFL campaign.
Mar 9, 2026 1:25 PM EST
Marcus Mariota Won't Play Against Eagles
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (hand) has officially been ruled out for Sunday's Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. Mariota was a stretch to make it back to play in the final game of the year after injuring his hand in the Week 16 loss to the Eagles. The 32-year-old veteran was held out of the Christmas Day loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17 and will now miss a second straight game to end the year. Journeyman QB Josh Johnson will make a second straight start for the Commanders. Mariota ended up playing in 11 games (eight starts) this year while filling in for the injured Jayden Daniels, and he held his own, throwing for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He added 297 yards on the ground and a TD.
Jan 2, 2026 12:26 PM EST
Marcus Mariota Is a Shaky Play in Week 18
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota doesn't look like he'll be a great option for streaming at quarterback for his team's season finale. Coach Dan Quinn said Mariota did not participate in the team's walkthrough on Monday and is "still a stretch" to play in Week 18 against the Eagles. Quinn did still say there was hope the 32-year-old veteran would be able to play, but even if he does, it's a tough matchup for him against the strong Eagles defense, which will still be playing for playoff seeding. Mariota has played 11 games this season, throwing 10 touchdowns to go with seven interceptions and running for a score as well. Even if he recovers in time, he will be a high-risk play against Philly, so there are most likely better options available from your waiver wire. If Mariota is out, Josh Johnson will likely start once again, and he is not a great fantasy option either.
Dec 30, 2025 9:54 AM EST
Marcus Mariota Considered "a Stretch" to Play in Week 18
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said on Monday that it would be "a stretch" for quarterback Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. The Commanders aren't closing the door on Mariota playing, but with Washington eliminated from the playoffs, it's unlikely. It means that veteran journeyman QB Josh Johnson is lined up to make a second straight start to close out the 2025 season. The 39-year-old went 15-for-23 passing 198 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in the Christmas Day loss to the Dallas Cowboys last Thursday. Mariota is not moving at full speed yet after suffering multiple injuries in the Week 16 loss to the Eagles. He didn't practice at all last week and shouldn't be counted on for fantasy managers still playing for a title in Week 18.
Dec 29, 2025 4:06 PM EST
Marcus Mariota Ruled Out for Week 17
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) has officially been ruled out for the Week 17 divisional game on Christmas Day on Thursday against the Dallas Cowboys, according to Tashan Reed of The Washington Post. Mariota injured his hand and quad in Saturday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. It's unclear if Mariota will be cleared to play in next week's regular-season finale against the Eagles. With Mariota out on Christmas Day, veteran journeyman Josh Johnson will make his first start in the NFL since late in the 2021 season. For what it's worth, head coach Dan Quinn said he's hoping that Mariota will be ready to return in Week 18 for the rematch against Philly. The 32-year-old has been serviceable as a QB2 in fantasy football in 11 games (eight starts) this year with Jayden Daniels injured, completing 61.2% of his passes for 1,695 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven picks.
Dec 24, 2025 12:46 PM EST
Marcus Mariota has QB1 Upside Against Cowboys if He Plays
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) was absent from Tuesday's practice and is trending in the wrong direction to play on Christmas Day against the Dallas Cowboys. He's now missed two straight practices after being forced to exit early during Washington's Week 16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. If he's able to play, the 32-year-old profiles as a quality streaming option against Dallas' 32nd-ranked pass defense, though there is real uncertainty that he plays. Dallas' defense continues to struggle against the pass and just allowed Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert to have his best fantasy performance of the season. If Mariota can't go, Washington is likely to turn to journeyman Josh Johnson to make his first start since 2021.
Dec 23, 2025 11:34 PM EST
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