Mariota’s MCL sprain and Lane’s ankle injury deepen Commanders losses

Marcus Mariota suffered another MCL sprain in Washington’s loss to Indianapolis. Receiver and returner Jaylin Lane has a fractured and dislocated ankle and is expected to miss the rest of the season, according to The Associated Press. Monday’s reports leave the Commanders with decisions at quarterback and in the return game before they host the Giants.

The Commanders’ official Monday report identified Mariota’s injury as an MCL issue and said he was expected to miss time, with a timetable still undetermined. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that it was Mariota’s second MCL sprain this year after his preseason injury.

Mariota left 12 plays into Sunday’s 30-13 loss in London. He had completed three of four passes for 46 yards and added a 35-yard run before Washington turned to seventh-round rookie Athan Kaliakmanis.

Jayden Daniels has missed the past two games with a dislocated left elbow. NBC Sports reported that Washington hopes he can return against New York, with his ability to participate fully in practice a central factor. He was limited on all three practice days last week.

Kaliakmanis completed 15 of 33 passes for 186 yards, a touchdown and an interception in his regular-season debut. His 47-yard touchdown throw to Treylon Burks brought Washington within 17-13 in the third quarter. The team’s Monday review also described problems identifying edge pressure, giving him specific work to address if he is needed again.

Lane’s injury adds a separate loss. The Associated Press independently reported a fractured and dislocated left ankle, citing a person familiar with the situation. Ian Rapoport reported that the ankle had been stabilized and that Lane was undergoing further tests in London.

The team’s midday report had not supplied that diagnosis and pointed to Dan Quinn’s Monday press conference for more information. It remains the place to look for Washington’s formal recovery and replacement plans.

Washington is 1-3. For fantasy managers, the immediate quarterback question is whether Daniels can return or Kaliakmanis will need another appearance. Lane’s absence also leaves return work to redistribute. The team has yet to announce those assignments.

Update, Oct. 6: Washington placed wide receiver Jaylin Lane on the reserve/injured list Tuesday, according to the team's official transaction ledger. The roster move follows the ankle injury described in the original report.