1. The Redskins continue to be bothered with injuries. Now it’s left guard Maurice Hurt and right tackle Sean Locklear who have been added to the injury report. Hurt did not practice because of a mild knee sprain while Locklear was limited with an ankle injury. It’s uncertain what their status is for Sunday, but it could further dent an offensive line in need of continuity.
If Hurt can’t play, the Redskins could be forced to return center Will Montgomery to guard and insert Erik Cook to center. Neither played well in those spots in the two games they were alongside one another. If Locklear can’t play, the Redskins would turn to newly-signed Tyler Polumbus or undrafted free agent Willie Smith.
2. Line depth was a major issue in camp; it’s killing the Redskins now. Said it before, but the Redskins really miss Kory Lichtensteiger. Coach Mike Shanahan called him their best run blocker. Does that mean he was a Pro Bowler? No. But it meant he could help. Also wonder how much he helped Trent Williams.
3. Meanwhile, four other Redskins did not practice Wednesday: safety LaRon Landry (Achilles), linebacker London Fletcher (ankle), linebacker Keyaron Fox (knee infection) and receiver Niles Paul (toe). Fletcher needed a walking boot. Right tackle Jammal Brown (groin) was limited. Shanahan called that progress, but he also said Monday that Brown was a longshot to play vs. Dallas.
4. John Beck spoke to the media Wednesday for the first time since his benching. Have a full story in the print edition that’ll pop up later, but here’s a short version.
5. Beck initially did not want to talk about his situation, but quickly relented and answered every question. His point: he’s no longer a story. It’s probably good for him to have been out of the spotlight for a few days to gather his thoughts. Last Wednesday, when he learned he would split time with Rex Grossman, Beck was not as forthcoming or as open. But he came across then more as a guy looking for answers than someone who was angry about a potential demotion.
6. Roy Helu or Ryan Torain? If it’s my call, I’m going back to Helu. Neither one has produced a ton, but Helu offers quick feet – the ability to sidestep guys right now is important – and he’s more versatile. By the way, it’s not my call. They continue to ignore my input, which is probably smart. They have enough problems already.
7. Receiver David Anderson could step in at the slot receiver, ahead of players such as Terrence Austin, because of his experience. Anderson on what makes a good slot receiver: “Knowledge of defenses and just a knack to find open spots. As a receiver you either win vs. man or you sell cars. You have to win vs. man because that’s what’s gonna happen in the slot. And you have to have more spatial awareness inside. Maybe a defensive linemen is inside you that you might have to worry about dropping. As a receiver on the outside, you don’t have to worry about an end dropping in the way. As a slot, there’s more guys you have to take into account.”
8. Trent Williams on the run game issues: “Some people may overthink stuff, not knowing assignments may play a small part but we go over that a whole lot. We have a lot of new people filling in and in a game you really can’t simulate that in practice.”
9. Yes, players remain confident. At least outwardly. With seven games left it’s too soon to stop thinking of the what-ifs. So a win over Dallas would mean what? “It can get the ball rolling,” Williams said. “For us to make the playoffs we have to win. You can only take it one game at a time and the Cowboys are up next. This will make or break our season.”
10. Yep, make or break.
11. Brian Orakpo has a half a sack in his career in NFC East play. That’s a staggering figure for a guy with 25 career sacks. “In the division sacks are harder to come by,” he said. “I get out of the division that’s when I get some, but in the division that’s when I’m lacking. They know what they’re dealing with. It’s tough; I have to keep grinding and keep going.”
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