It was clear he did not have the legs last night for do what he usually does. That said he'll come back strong against UTAH and make a statement!
A sprained MCL means its torn. It can be a tiny tear that is very insignificant or it can be nearly a complete tear where just walking is difficult and surgery is considered.
I don't claim to be an internet MD, but having played six years of football...have a bit of experience with MCL's. I am also skilled enough to use google. This has been reported as a "partial sprain". No one other than a few know the extent. It is favorable that he was able to return and play. According to online sources, his recovery time is anywhere from one week to eight weeks. I'm sure everyone noticed that Marcus started out the season without a knee brace. I believe that brace showed up around the time we played UCLA. My feeling is that he had a minor sprain that was made worse with the tackle at Stanford. I don't think we'll see much running from him any longer and it's entirely debatable if this injury makes him more likely to go pro.... A first degree sprain is damage to only a few ligament fibres. A second degree sprain is damage to a more extensive number of ligament fibres, but the ligament remains intact. A third degree sprain is a complete rupture of the ligament. Because of the force involved in this injury other structures in the knee, such as the Meniscus (Cartilage) or the Anterior Cruciate Ligament can also be damaged. Mild or grade 1 injuries usually get better in 1 to 3 weeks and may only need home treatment along with using crutches for a short time. Moderate or grade 2 injuries usually get better in about a month. You may need to wear a hinged knee brace and limit how much weight you put on your leg. Severe or grade 3 injuries may require wearing a hinged brace for a few months, and limiting weight on the leg for 4 to 6 weeks. http://www.physioroom.com/injuries/knee/medial_collateral_ligament_sprain_full.php
"My knee is what it is," Mariota said after Tuesday's practice, where he again wore the brace. "I'm not going to use that as an excuse." http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/9967422/marcus-mariota-oregon-ducks-says-knee-issue STOMP
No palm reading here but the media on Go Ducks.com have interviewed Lockie this week after practice, where they usually don't. Could be Marcus for three quick strikes and Lockie in for the rest of the game against Utah....
I don't think they can beat you in Autzen even if you sit Mariota. I guess you never know though. I do know that Utah has a good pass rush and I wouldn't want Mariota back there if he's not able to move.
I'm no Doctor, but if I were in Helfrich's shoes I'd sure be consulting them on whats best for his recovery/situation. I'm confident that either of the 2 backups could move the ball. STOMP
