Laughter filled the locker room, as did the chatter that’s usually heard on a daily basis. Just not inthe past week. Not here.
So, as life returned to normal, the topic of conversation slowly turned from Sean Taylor’s death to football.
And the Redskins finally received some good on-field news. Right guard Randy Thomas said he’ll likely play against Chicago on Thursday. Thomas hasn’t played since tearing the left triceps tendon in Week 2 against Philadelphia.
“As long as I can step on the field, it’s a definite in my eyes,” Thomas said. “It’s been a long time waiting. I’m very excited about it. It’s been tough sitting on the sidelines, but I have a chance to make a difference and I’m excited about it.
The Redskins could use Thomas back. The ground game has struggled most of the season with the Redskins averaging 3.9 yards per carry — 20th best in the NFL.
Last month, Portis rushed for a combined 333 yards in two games. But in the last three games, he’s managed 154 yards on 57 carries.
Thomas’ presence could help. If, that is, he can play up to his former standards.
“It depends on how Randy comes out and plays,” Portis said. “I can’t tell you that until I see him play. But knowing the excitement it is to have him back, it should help us out a lot.”
The Redskins have struggled with the run in part because they haven’t had their starting right side of the line since Week 1 when tackle Jon Jansen was hurt. With Thomas and Jansen out, the Redskins haven’t been able to use as much pulling action from that side of the line. Thomas’ athleticism helps in opening cutback lanes.
“That’s my hammer,” Redskins center Casey Rabach said. “He’s just a powerful guy. He really is. It doesn’t matter if it’s a run play or pass play, he’s really physical inside there. He doesn’t talk a whole lot in there, but you tell him to do something and he’ll get the job done.”
The Redskins did not place Thomas on injured reserve because they hoped he would be able to return for the stretch drive. The Redskins need to run well down the stretch if they want to reach the postseason. At 5-7 and a game out of the playoff race, they have little margin for error. Thomas’ return would help.
“I’m just hoping to get on that field and bring a little more excitement,” Thomas said. “It’s going to be emotional for me to step on that field.”
