Dan Quinn: Marcus Mariota’s return expected sooner than later, no need for IR

The Washington Commanders are home from their international game in London against the Indianapolis Colts. They lost the game, and injuries to Marcus Mariota (MCL) and Jaylin Lane (ankle/IR) deflated the team. Dan Quinn has said they plan on having Jayden Daniels back as a full participant with the expectation he can start this week at home vs the Giants. Daniels will be wearing a brace when he plays, and Quinn said they've talked about protecting the elbow. He traveled with the team and was limited in practice last week, but wanted to play.

Marcus Mariota's MCL sprain is expected to follow the same timeline as the one that sidelined him in the preseason. Quinn said they are hopeful he can return after missing next week, and then having the bye before the team returns in Week 8 for a home game rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles. The team didn't place Mariota on injured reserve which would have kept him out for four games. Washington had QB Jack Plummer in for a workout, but seems confident in Jayden Daniels and Athan Kaliakmanis being available this week.

The Commanders announced that three players who have been on injured reserve for the first four games have returned to practice, and their 21-day windows have opened. CB Trey Amos (ankle), DE Deatrich Wise (quad), and RB Jeremy McNichols (quad) will have their individual recovery plans as they return to the field. Quinn was asked about a return timeline for Amos, and he noted he has only practiced once since breaking his leg as a rookie.

Quinn was asked about struggling players like CB Mike Sainristil and C/G Nick Allegretti having reduced roles and getting less snaps. He said they're working on the best scenarios for each player and they would make moves to improve the team. He mentioned Allegretti missing time in training camp, and other injuries that have limited him as he moved to center. He has now been replaced by free agent signing Lucas Patrick at center, and rookie Matt Gulbin at right guard.

Injured reserve players returning to practice:

Marcus Mariota's return "sooner than later":