It’s not just the Redskins’ resolve that will be tested after losing 20-13 to the Eagles, it’s their depth. They lost one offensive lineman for the season, another for likely a few weeks and a tight end for who knows how long.
Redskins left guard Kory Lichtensteiger suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his knee and is done for the season, according to a source close to him. Coach Mike Shanahan would only say after the game that “it doesn’t look good.”
Meanwhile, left tackle Trent Williams suffered a high sprain on his right ankle, an injury that typically sidelines a player for several weeks at least – depending on the severity.
And tight end Chris Cooley fractured the index finger on his left hand and also damaged his hand. He’ll require surgery and 106.7 The Fan reported that he’ll miss six weeks.
Losing two starters along the offensive line will make life difficult in the running game. Will Montgomery shifts from center to left guard and second-year Erik Cook will start at center. Shanahan said Cook hurt his calf in warm-ups and couldn’t finish them. Sean Locklear replaced Williams and will continue in that role.
Williams was more irked by what happened to Lichtensteiger. He was hurt after quarterback Rex Grossman’s first interception. Williams said Eagles defensive end Darryl Tapp hit Lichtensteiger after the play.
“It was a dirty play,” Williams said. “The play was over and the dude just grabbed him and threw him to the ground. The ref is sitting there watching and he didn’t call nothing…I feel terrible for [Lichtensteiger]. He’s like a brother to me.”
Williams said the pain in his ankle was “excruciating.” He’s never dealt with a high ankle sprain in the past.
“I consider myself a tough guy,” Williams said. “As soon as they say I can get out there I’ll get out there.”
Locklear said it took him a while to feel comfortable after entering in the second quarter when a defender rolled up behind Williams, causing the injury.
“As the game went on I got better and better,” he said.
The Redskins only carried eight offensive linemen, but they also have guard/center Eric Olsen on the practice squad. Regardless of what direction they take, the timing was not right Sunday.
“It’s a little bit off,” Montgomery said. “But you can go back to the Tennessee game last year, guys were going down like flies so we’re not going to use that as an excuse. We will give the Eagles credit. We will regroup.”
