Robert Covington Injury: Updates on 76ers Wing's Knee and Return

Philadelphia 76ers forward Robert Covington suffered a sprained MCL during Friday night's preseason game against the Boston Celtics.

Continue for updates.

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Latest Updates on Covington's Playing Status 

Saturday, Oct. 24

Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports reported Covington has been diagnosed with a sprained MCL and bone bruise in knee, and is expected to be out for two weeks.

According to 76ers director of public relations Michael Preston, the team initially ruled Covington out with a sprained right knee. 

The injury occurred with seven minutes left in the fourth quarter. According to the Boston Globe's Gary Washburn, Covington had to be carried off the court, as he was unable to put any pressure on his right leg. 

The team has not disclosed a timetable for his return.

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How Covington's Injury Impacts Tennessee

Covington, who is entering his third season in the NBA, experienced a breakout season on a weak 76ers team last year, making 49 starts while averaging 13.5 points per game. 

Head coach Brett Brown spoke with John Finger of CSNPhilly.com about what he was expecting from Covington this season:

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He’s becoming a leader and I think he’s going to have a good year. He’s put in the time and he deserves it. ... To really grow his ability to put the ball on the floor, because the league is going to close him up hot — they aren’t going to let him catch and shoot — and to understand that mindset of when he should shoot it.

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Covington shot just under 38 percent from three-point range last season, something that is useful for a 6'9" small forward. But as Brown alluded to, Covington can open up a different portion of his game if he is able to drive to the rim effectively.

Second-year man Jerami Grant replaced Covington in the final minutes of Friday's game and should see an increase in playing time if the 76ers' starter has to sit for a while. It would be another hurdle for a young Philadelphia team to clear as it tries to improve on a 2014-15 season in which it won just 18 games.

Stats courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com.