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Marcus Mariota fantasy football news and podcast insights

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QBWAS40 insightsLatest Aug 22, 2026
0
Positive signals
36
Negative signals
5
Sources
Aug 22, 2026
Latest update
NegativeInjuryAug 17, 2026Hogs Haven
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota sprained his MCL in the team's preseason win over the Miami Dolphins on Friday. Although his timetable for return is not yet clear, he is likely done for the rest of preseason, at least. The source notes that Mariota is more indispensable to Washington than the team would like; at 32 years old, his talent level is not particularly singular, but he has shown a knack for giving Washington's offense at least a puncher's chance whenever Jayden Daniels is unavailable. It's unclear whether the other two reserve quarterbacks, Athan Kaliakmanis and Sam Hartman, can even throw a jab at the NFL level. The staff's view of Hartman as an on-field consideration is poor—they went with 39-year-old Josh Johnson for the final two games in 2025 when Washington was long ago eliminated from the playoffs, which spoke volumes about their assessment. Entering his third season, Hartman has shown little reason to think that view has changed. The source suggests that entering the remainder of camp without another veteran quarterback feels like a significant risk, and Washington also risks having to carry three quarterbacks on the initial 53-man roster rather than using the third spot for depth elsewhere if Mariota's Week 1 optimism falls flat.
NegativeInjuryAug 16, 2026Hogs Haven
Mariota suffered a right MCL sprain during the preseason opener versus Miami on Friday, exiting after just four snaps on the first offensive drive. Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed the injury and said Mariota is expected to miss the rest of the preseason, but there is optimism he will be back for the start of the regular season. The injury occurred after Mariota got hit hard on an explosive 22-yard pass to Dyami Brown and then came up lame after a handoff on the next play.
NegativeInjuryAug 16, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL
Mariota suffered a right MCL sprain during Friday's preseason opener against Miami, playing just four snaps before getting hurt on the first offensive drive. Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed Mariota is expected to miss the rest of the preseason but expressed optimism he'll return for the start of the regular season. The injury occurred after Mariota got hit hard on a 22-yard pass completion to Dyami Brown and came up lame on the next play; he walked off the field without a clear limp or support.
NegativeInjuryAug 15, 2026Hogs Haven
Mariota suffered an apparent non-contact leg injury in the preseason opener after just four plays, appearing to grab at his knee on a handoff to Kaytron Allen. He was able to walk off the field on his own but left for further evaluation. As Washington's established No. 2 quarterback behind Jayden Daniels with two developmental prospects behind him who are far from NFL-ready, Mariota is the last line of defense if something happens to Daniels; his health matters far more than the outcome of an August game. Head coach Dan Quinn had no update on Mariota when asked after the game.
NegativeInjuryAug 15, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL
Mariota suffered an apparent leg injury during the preseason opener against Miami, lasting only four plays before going down on a handoff to Kaytron Allen. He appeared to grab at his knee on the play and was able to walk off the field on his own. As Washington's established No. 2 quarterback behind Jayden Daniels with two developmental prospects behind him who are far from NFL-ready, Mariota serves as the last line of defense if something happens to Daniels; his health matters far more than the outcome of an August game. Head coach Dan Quinn had no update on Mariota when asked after the game.
NegativeInjuryAug 15, 2026Hogs Haven
Veteran backup QB suffered a right knee injury early in the preseason opener on Washington's fourth offensive snap. After throwing a 22-yard TD pass to Dyami Brown, Mariota took a shot and was knocked hard to the ground; his knee buckled on the following play. He limped off the field with a trainer and spent time in the medical tent. Head coach Dan Quinn said he didn't have an update on the injury immediately after the game. Mariota's health is paramount for the Commanders as a valuable asset capable of orchestrating the offense should starter Jayden Daniels be unavailable; he's significantly better than backup options Sam Hartman and Athan Kaliakmanis.
NegativeInjuryAug 15, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL
Mariota started Friday's preseason game with Jayden Daniels out but suffered a right knee injury on Washington's fourth offensive snap after delivering a 22-yard pass to Dyami Brown. He took a shot after the throw, was knocked hard to the ground, and his knee buckled on the following play. Trainers examined his right knee on the field; he walked off on his own but left with a trainer. The source notes this is concerning because Mariota is a valuable asset and capable backup quarterback—significantly better than other backup options Sam Hartman and Athan Kaliakmanis—making his health paramount for the regular season.