SPRAINED AND SHELVED: Marcus Mariota's Preseason Is Likely Over

The Washington Commanders just got a brutal preseason scare. Quarterback Marcus Mariota is dealing with a sprained MCL, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter, and the injury is expected to keep him off the field for the rest of the preseason.

It happened fast. In Friday's preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins, Mariota lasted only four snaps before collapsing to the turf in a noncontact injury. The play looked innocent enough — a simple handoff to Kaytron Allen — but Mariota immediately went down, a sight no team wants to see.

Washington's training staff rushed to surround the veteran QB. He was able to walk off the field under his own power, a small victory in a scary moment. After a visit to the blue medical tent, Mariota had a brief conversation with starter Jayden Daniels and offensive coordinator David Blough before heading to the locker room.

Now the diagnosis is in: a sprained MCL, and the preseason is likely over for him. It's not the news the Commanders wanted, but it could have been much worse.

A Familiar Role in Washington

Mariota re-signed with the Commanders in March on a one-year, $7 million deal, returning as the No. 2 option behind Jayden Daniels. He's been through the battles in Washington before.

Last season, Mariota started eight games and appeared in 11 while Daniels dealt with injuries. He threw for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions. But the wins didn't follow — Washington won only two of his starts.

For now, the Commanders will hold their breath and hope Mariota heals up before the games start counting. The regular season waits for no one.