Hightower, Moss, Fletcher hurt in loss to the Panthers CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Once again, the Redskins lost a game. Once again, they lost key players. And once again they’re left spouting a line they had to utter a week ago about the realities of life in the NFL.
The problem is the Redskins keep losing players from an offense that needs every player it can get. This time, it’s running back Tim Hightower and receiver Santana Moss who exited with injuries. Hightower sprained his left knee and will undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the severity. X-rays after the game were negative. Hightower needed crutches to get around, though he often tried to hobble around rather than use them.
“It’s pretty sore,” coach Mike Shan?ahan said. “We’re hoping it’s not an ACL.”
Moss broke a bone in his left hand and will miss at least Sunday’s game vs. Buffalo. Beyond that, he wasn’t sure how much time he would miss, and Shanahan would not say.
“The play happened so quick,” Moss said. “The [defender] was on my back, and my hand was feeling funny.”
Also, linebacker London Fletcher exited the game with a hamstring injury in the fourth quarter. Shanahan said he’s not sure how severe the injury is, and Fletcher declined to talk about his leg.
Hightower had rushed for 88 yards on 17 carries before getting hurt.
“I was just trying to do my part to give this offense a spark, to give this offense some energy and try to be a presence on the field and on the sidelines,” he said. “It’s frustrating not to be able to finish that. And not to finish the game, it’s not a good feeling.
“[But] I feel fine. I recover quick. I’ll be back.”
The Redskins have grown accustomed to dealing with injuries. A week ago vs. Philadelphia, the Redskins lost three starters: left guard Kory Lichtensteiger, tight end Chris Cooley and left tackle Trent Williams. They also played Sunday without starting free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe.
“It’s definitely a little frustrating, but it’s football,” cornerback DeAngelo Hall said. “Guys get hurt. The next guy has to come in and know his responsibility and rise to the occasion.”
Tight end Fred Davis agreed.
“It’s a hard situation, but stuff like that happens,” he said. “In this league, if you don’t take the opportunity, you won’t be here for long.”
