The Washington Commanders got a mix of news on Sunday afternoon when head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota suffered a sprained MCL in his right knee during the opening series of Friday's preseason win.
It marked no long-term concern at the position after Quinn confirmed optimism that Mariota will be available for week one while also noting the team is not expected to look outside the organization to address depth in the meantime. Yet the news also offered a chance for Washington to evaluate the rest of the room, much like the rest of Friday night proved to be.
The question whether the Commanders roster three quarterbacks is as notable as who will ultimately win the competition between Sam Hartman and Athan Kaliakmanis.
Hartman is preparing for year three with the organization despite not taking a snap in an NFL regular season game, including at the end of the 2025 season when head coach Dan Quinn opted to sign veteran Jeff Driskel off Arizona's practice squad and start Josh Johnson for the final two games. Yet Hartman returned for a third season with elevated competition after the Commanders closed out their six draft picks in the 2026 NFL Draft by adding Kaliakmanis out of Rutgers, adding intrigue that was only fueled by Friday's performance.
Hartman was first to take the field as he finished 8-of-15 for 80 yards and an interception, a mistake he would have liked to have back. Hartman's intended pass sailed over wide receiver Dyami Brown and safely into the Dolphins' secondary for an easy first takeaway, missing a wide open Luke McCaffrey over the middle of the field. The third year quarterback also connected with veteran Van Jefferson to set the offense up at the six yard line for its first scoring opportunity, but a pass slightly behind Jaylin Lane that could have been intercepted was followed up by a third down sack to squander the chance at a tie, instead settling for Jake Moody to rattle in a 29 year field goal off the upright.
Kaliakmanis went on to finish 6-of-10 for 87 yards without either a touchdown or turnover as he showcased his arm strength, pocket presence while progressing through his reads. The Rutgers product was also sacked twice, though that was due to protection breakdowns even if he doesn't offer the same type of dual threat ability like Hartman. Yet Quinn pointed to the chance to see Kaliakmanis "in the chaos" in his unofficial debut.
"He felt calm in the space [on Friday]," Quinn said.
"I thought you'd see his arm strength come out a little bit and it did on some of the play action passes."
After Quinn admitted he's unsure whether starters play against the Detroit Lions on Saturday afternoon, and if so, how much, the absence of Mariota and likely limited showing of Daniels this weekend will give the two quarterbacks a chance to separate ahead of a potential roster decision prior to the preseason finale.
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