The shuffling started in the opener and hasn’t stopped. The right tackle went down one game; the right guard the next.
But nothing matched Sunday, when three offensive linemen left the game with injuries. That runs the total to five offensive linemen who have been hurt this season. And that doesn’t include Chris Samuels who missed the entire preseason with a knee injury.
The latest round might force Washington to sign a free agent linemen to bolster its depth. It might even have to move defensive lineman Lorenzo Alexander to offense, where he spent the offseason working.
The one bit of good news is that center Casey Rabach’s injury might not be as severe as first feared. Rabach exited Sunday’s 17-14 loss to Green Bay in the third quarter with a groin injury. Director of sports medicine Bubba Tyer said Monday it was a mild strain and that “we think we’re going to be OK with Casey.”
However, Tyer was not as certain about tackle Todd Wade (strained groin) or his backup Stephon Heyer (strained left hamstring).
“It’s such a huge thing for an NFL team to stay healthy,” tight end Chris Cooley said. “Anyone can say they have a great team at the beginning of the year, but you have to stay healthy. I guess when it rains it pours. We’ve had quite a few injuries in the last couple weeks and it’s really hurt us.”
The trade deadline is today, but Gibbs said it’s doubtful such a move would be made. If Wade and Heyer are unavailable, they could move Jason Fabini from right guard to right tackle and insert Rick DeMulling at guard.
“What I’m praying is that several of them are going to be able bounce back and play,” Gibbs said. “That’s a lot of linemen to have missing right now.”
They also have lineman Kili LeFotu on the practice squad. However, LeFotu was arrested at an Ashburn restaurant Friday and charged with being drunk in public, destruction of property and simple assault. Gibbs said no decision would bemade on his future until he examined all the facts.
Regardless, the Redskins are bracing for more possible change. That’s not good news on a line that’s already undergone plenty.
“The chemistry that you need to have success on the offensive line only comes through repetitions,” Redskins guard Pete Kendall said. “Anytime you’re going to play with or it’s a new guy in there playing it’s a disruption.”
