Athan Kaliakmanis’ QB3 Case Strengthens Before the Commanders’ Final Preseason Test

Athan Kaliakmanis completed 11 of 14 passes for 162 yards against Detroit as Washington evaluated its third-quarterback competition.

Athan Kaliakmanis’ QB3 case has become one of Washington’s most compelling final-roster decisions. The seventh-round rookie followed Washington’s 17-13 loss to Detroit with an individual performance that kept the offense moving and forced the Commanders to think seriously about carrying three quarterbacks.

Kaliakmanis completed 11 of 14 passes for 162 yards against the Lions and was not sacked. Washington produced 163 yards while he was on the field, and he outgained every other quarterback who played. Across his first two preseason appearances, he owns a 104.3 passer rating and one of the better completion rates among quarterbacks with at least 24 attempts.

The improvement from his debut was visible. Kaliakmanis went 6-of-10 for 87 yards against Miami and absorbed two sacks, but he looked calmer against Detroit. His willingness to trust receivers produced a 30-yard completion to Jaden Bradley and a 55-yard connection with Nick Nash, two plays that showed both timing and downfield confidence.

The Commanders’ official evaluation makes clear that the job is not settled. Sam Hartman remains in the competition, and Washington has alternated opportunities between the two after Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota complete their work. The decision also depends on whether the roster has enough flexibility to devote a third active spot to the position.

This week supplies the final evidence. Washington visits Baltimore for a joint practice Wednesday before playing the Ravens at 7 p.m. Friday at M&T Bank Stadium. The joint session will focus heavily on the starters, leaving Kaliakmanis and Hartman positioned to receive the most consequential quarterback snaps in the preseason finale.

Kaliakmanis does not need to imitate Daniels’ mobility or Mariota’s experience. His route to the roster is command, accuracy and the ability to keep the offense on schedule when a play becomes unsettled. One more efficient performance would give Washington a practical reason to preserve three quarterbacks and give the rookie a developmental season inside the active room.