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Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota played just four snaps during Friday’s preseason opener versus Miami. The veteran didn’t get a quick hook. He got hurt on the first offensive drive. Commanders injury news: Marcus Mariota suffers sprained knee Commanders backup quarterback Marcus Mariota suffered an injury early in the preseason victory over the Dolphins Mariota suffered a right MCL sprain in Washington’s 20-7 victory over the Dolphins at Northwest Stadium. Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that fact in a Sunday press conference. Quinn said that Mariota is expected to miss the rest of the preseason, but there’s optimism he’ll be back for the start of the regular season. All things considered, that’s a positive outcome for the Commanders. They could get their No. 2 quarterback back before games that count. Quinn also said he doesn’t anticipate the Commanders bringing in another quarterback, instead handing reserves Sam Hartman and Athan Kaliakmanis more practice and preseason game reps. Mariota got hit hard on an explosive, 22-yard pass completed to Dyami Brown during Friday’s game, and came up lame after a handoff on the next play. Mariota was treated on the field and then in the blue medical tent before eventually leaving for the locker room with a trainer. Mariota walked off the field without a clear limp or support from another person. He obviously did not return to a game that didn’t count, especially with his immense value backing up starter Jayden Daniels. Mariota has been called into action 14 times under Daniels, including 11 games and eight starts in 2025.