Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Sam Darnold

Wednesday, October 7, 9:16 AM

Washington Commanders veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota (knee) will not go on Injured Reserve after spraining his MCL in the Week 4 blowout loss to the Indianapolis Colts in London on Sunday, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. It means that the Commanders think Mariota could be back within two to three weeks after he missed two and a half weeks after his first MCL sprain during the preseason in August. It also means that Washington may not need to sign an outside veteran QB to time them over. That will especially be the case if starter Jayden Daniels is able to return this weekend against the division-rival New York Giants after dislocating his left elbow in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. If Daniels is not cleared to play this weekend, Athan Kaliakmanis would be forced into making his first NFL start under center. The 32-year-old Mariota has already appeared in three games (two starts) for Washington this year after playing in 11 games (eight starts) in 2025 due to injuries to Daniels. He has gone 33-for-51 passing for 340 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions in limited action in 2026, but he will return to his usual backup role when he heals from his MCL sprain.