Knee Surgery to Sideline Marino

One day after breaking the NFL record for completions, Dan Marino had knee surgery Monday and the Miami Dolphin quarterback will sit out at least one game and possibly more.

Marino underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair torn cartilage in his right knee and had blood drained from his severely bruised left hip.

The injuries occurred during Sunday’s 27-24 overtime loss to Indianapolis. Marino finished the game and broke Fran Tarkenton’s NFL career record for completions. He now has 3,702.

Marino won’t play Sunday at New Orleans but could be back for the Oct. 22 game against the Jets in New York. But he’s more likely to return against Buffalo the following week.

“We’re not sure how long it’s going to be,” Coach Don Shula said. “Every knee is different. Originally they said day to day, but obviously he’s out this week.”

Marino’s replacement Sunday will be Bernie Kosar, starting for the first time in his two seasons with Miami. Dan McGwire, who has yet to take a snap with Miami, becomes the No. 2 quarterback.

The damage in Marino’s knee was discovered late Sunday and the surgery was performed Monday in a Fort Lauderdale hospital.

It wasn’t known exactly when the injury occurred.

The surgery was the first on Marino’s right knee. His left knee has been operated on five times since he joined the Dolphins in 1983, most recently in December, 1991.