Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota is not headed to injured reserve, and the team expects him back in a few weeks after he injured his MCL in Sunday’s 30-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in London.
Coach Dan Quinn said Wednesday that Mariota may be looking at the same recovery path he followed after suffering the same injury to his right knee in a preseason game against Miami on Aug. 14.
That injury kept him out for the rest of the preseason, but he was back for the season opener on Sept. 13.
“We’re optimistic that the injury was similar, then hopefully they’ll follow the same plan for him,” Quinn told reporters. “If we can do that, then that means sooner, meaning another game and a bye. So, we’re encouraged about what his return could look like.”
Mariota had stepped in for Jayden Daniels, who dislocated his left elbow in a Week 2 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Daniels has since returned to practice and could be back in the lineup Sunday when Washington (1-3) hosts the New York Giants (3-1).
The Commanders’ schedule gives the team a few checkpoints before another break. Washington plays in San Francisco on Oct. 19, then has a bye week before returning home to face the Philadelphia Eagles (2-2) on Nov. 1.
If Mariota had gone on injured reserve, he would have been required to miss the next four games.
Quinn also said Washington will not bring in another quarterback, since the team expects Mariota to return. Rookie Athan Kaliakmanis took over against the Colts and will back up Daniels until Mariota is healthy.
Through four games this season, Mariota has completed 64.7% of his passes for 340 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions.
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