This isn’t the way the Redskins wanted to face a punishing ground game: with five defensive starters sitting out the first practice of the week.
One of them, strongside linebacker Marcus Washington already is out for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants with a high ankle sprain. But he might be joined by middle linebacker London Fletcher, who has a sprained foot and remained in a walking boot Wednesday.
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Fletcher has not missed a game since joining the NFL in 1998, a streak of 171 regular-season games.
“If he can’t get on the [practice] field,” Redskins coach Jim Zorn said, “that would be a problem.”
Also, starting defensive tackles Kedric Golston (bone spur) and Cornelius Griffin (shoulder) were sidelined. Griffin has been bothered by his shoulder for more than a month. Golston played with the bone spur in Sunday’s 20-17 win over Seattle. Defensive end Andre Carter (plantar fasciitis) also did not practice.
“It’s very scary with our front four,” Zorn said. “I don’t know how they’re all gonna make it back. They’ll have some rust if they do make it back.”
The Giants rushed for 154 yards against Washington in a season-opening 16-7 win. They have the NFL’s top-ranked rushing attack.
H.B. Blades would fill in for Fletcher in the middle, with Alfred Fincher moving to Washington’s old spot. If Fletcher can play, then Blades would start on the strong side.
