WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington Commanders have lost three games this season.
In the first defeat, they missed a late 2-point conversion that could have tied it. In the other two, they lost their quarterback
to a first-half injury.
Maybe this team would struggle even at full strength, but Washington hasn't had much of a chance to test itself with its key players healthy.
“We can begin with something I've had to begin with way too often — some injury updates,” coach Dan Quinn said at the start of his Monday video conference with reporters.
The latest significant injuries for Washington: Receiver Jaylin Lane has a fractured and dislocated left ankle and is out for the season. Quarterback Marcus Mariota, who was playing in place of an injured Jayden Daniels, had to leave Sunday's loss to Indianapolis in London because of a sprained MCL — the same knee he hurt in training camp.
“He'll be working off to the side as it goes through the next week or so,” Quinn said.
Daniels missed the past 2 1/2 games because of a dislocated elbow on his non-throwing arm. Washington (1-3) is hoping he can return this coming weekend against the New York Giants, but the Commanders already missed an opportunity overseas.
After Mariota led Washington to a win over Seattle in Week 3, the Commanders faced an Indianapolis team that didn't play all that well Sunday. But after Mariota went down and Washington had to turn to rookie seventh-round pick Athan Kaliakmanis at QB, the Colts eventually took control and won 30-13.
Washington's offense has also been without standout left tackle Laremy Tunsil because of a torn left triceps muscle, and wideout Terry McLaurin and running back Rachaad White didn't play against Indy. Quinn talked for just over 11 minutes Monday. Almost the entire session was spent taking questions related in some way to injuries.
“I'm frustrated,” Quinn said. “But don't get it twisted. My belief in them isn't wavering.”
After forcing three turnovers in a win over Seattle, the Commanders had two takeaways against the Colts, helping Washington stay in the game for a while despite being down to its No. 3 quarterback.
“Defensively, I did see some improvement,” Quinn said. “I'd like to see us close the door more in the second half.”
Quinn was noncommittal on whether the Commanders would bring in a veteran quarterback to back up Daniels, now that Mariota has gone down with an injury. Washington was actually able to withstand Daniels' injury when it had to play without him against Seattle, but being without both him and Mariota tested the team's quarterback depth in a way few teams could handle well.
Odafe Oweh forced quarterback Daniel Jones to fumble on Indy’s first drive and then recovered the ball to set up a Washington field goal.
Without Daniels or Mariota available to create the threat of a credible passing game, Washington couldn't run the ball effectively against the Colts. Jacory Croskey-Merritt had 15 yards on nine carries. Kaytron Allen had 1 yard on three attempts.
White (shoulder) didn't play after a solid performance against the Seahawks the previous week. Austin Ekeler did manage 29 yards on just four carries.
Quinn is hopeful G Sam Cosmi (concussion/throat) and S Nick Cross (illness) can return to practice this week after they did not travel to London. He sounded less certain about McLaurin.
“We're still evaluating him,” Quinn said. “I'll give you a better update once we go through him working off to the side with the trainers.”
The Commanders were 2 for 15 on third down Sunday and 1 of 4 on fourth.
Washington hosts a New York team that is alone in first place in the NFC East under new coach John Harbaugh. The Giants are 3-1.
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AP Sports Writer Stephen Whyno contributed to this report.
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