Nick Novak is confident, even if history suggests he shouldn’t be. That is, the Redskins’ history when it comes to kickers. Their list is long, mainly because their kickers’ tenures are usually just the opposite.
“I think I’m here for a while,” Novak said.
Pardon the Redskins for crossing their fingers. And, probably their legs and any other limbs they can think of.
Here’s why: Novak is the 15th kicker signed by the Redskins in the last 11 years. He’s also the third one to be signed twice by them, joining Eddie Murray and Brett Conway. And the last Redskins kicker to play all 16 games in consecutive years was Chip Lohmiller, who was cut in 1995.
Novak, the University of Maryland graduate, replaces John Hall, who was placed on injured reserve Tuesday. Novak kicked in five games for Washington last season, making five of seven field goals including a game-winner in overtime against Seattle.
“When he was here before I was holding my breath,” Redskins coach Joe Gibbs said. “Here’s a young guy who didn’t have experience.”
But the Redskins liked his composure, evidenced by having to rekick the game winner against Seattle following a penalty.
“I was impressed,” Gibbs said.
Novak was perfect on three field-goal attempts in one game for Arizona last year and kicked off for the Cardinals in four other games. He’ll kick off here, something he did poorly in his first stint. But Novak said that’s one area he focused on while waiting for his phone to ring.
He made all 12 of his field goals in Tuesday’s workout and impressed the coaches on kickoffs.
“He’s very accurate,” Gibbs said. “He gets the ball up quick. I’m glad he was out there.”
Novak had worked out for Green Bay and New Orleans, but mostly spent the time working out in West Lafayette — his parents teach at Purdue. His workouts followed the same routine he would if he were kicking for an NFL team, capped by a big day Sunday.
Novak returned to Rockville last week, where he was living with a friend and continuing his workouts. Then the call came from Washington on Monday.
“I was thinking it would be great to come back here and play,” Novak said. “For it to actually happen, it’s a great thing and I’m very excited. I feel bad for John being injured again. [But] I’m ready for this opportunity.”
Week 6 Notes
» The Redskins’ defense, already struggling, is now banged up. Though Shawn Springs returned to practice — he’s still listed as questionable — three starting defensive linemen and their top linebacker also were limited.
Defensive tackles Cornelius Griffin (calf) and Joe Salave’a (calf) did not practice. Salave’a is listed as questionable; Griffin is probable. Also, defensive end Phillip Daniels (back) and linebacker Marcus Washington (hip) did not practice and are listed as probable.
Meanwhile, Springs dressed in shoulder pads and a helmet for the first time since he tried to practice on Sept. 21, injuring his groin. Springs was limited Wednesday.
“I’m just happy that nothing was tweaked today,” Springs said. “It’s not any worse. … It goes day by day; some days it’s 50 percent, some days I feel 100 percent.”
» The Redskins worked out punter Sean Landeta on Tuesday because of concern over an injury to Derrick Frost’s leg. However, Frost’s leg is fine and he will punt Sunday. He did miss practice Wednesday because of the death of his grandmother.
“We don’t have a problem with Derrick,” coach Joe Gibbs said.
» Assistant head coach/defense Gregg Williams remains close friends with Titans coach Jeff Fisher, with whom he worked in Houston and Tennessee. “Gregg’s always been a very enthusiastic, emotional coach. He always had the players’ respect and that speaks for itself. He does realize one thing, that I forgot more defense than he’ll ever know. Please remind him of that.”
