Lorenzo Alexander is a reserve defensive tackle known only to hard-core fans.
Then again, Alexander was the starting left guard in practice yesterday. Come Sunday, he could be the right guard.
The Washington Redskins are working on Plan C for crazy if they lose yet another lineman against Arizona on Sunday. Alexander hasn’t played on the offensive line since high school, but his helmet was on in the waning moments of the Redskins’ 17-14 loss at Green Bay on Oct. 14 after Washington lost its second right tackle of the game. Injured Todd Wade instead managed to play the final three snaps, but “Zo” is spending this week in offensive meetings.
“Probably as long as guys are nicked up I’ll play guard,” he said.
Defensive backs often lobby to play some receiver. They usually don’t have good hands or they would be receivers. It took former Redskins cornerback Champ Bailey a few years of lobbying before finally catching three passes — including a 42-yarder — in the 2000 finale when coach Norv Turner was already fired, the playoffs were impossible and interim coach Terry Robiskie knew he wasn’t staying. Translation — they had nothing to lose so why not?
However, lineman rarely change sides and even less often during the season. The Iron Man days were long gone before Metallica was in vogue.
Alexander played some offensive line during offseason camps so the Redskins knew he was capable. By not playing much on the defensive line, Alexander was also available. With every offensive lineman nicked aside left tackle Chris Samuels, the Redskins signed two offensive linemen to the practice squad on Tuesday and are hoping for quick healers.
Center Casey Rabach expects to return from a groin injury against Green Bay. Tackles Stephon Heyer and Wade should return from strained hamstrings as the team brought in a specialist for just that injury. Left guard Pete Kendall sat out practice to rest his arthritic knee, but is probable.
Alexander probably won’t be needed. Then again, offensive lineman are disappearing faster than campaign promises. The Redskins kept Alexander active the last two games as an emergency player after sitting him the first three weeks.
Alexander realizes this is a rare chance to stay in the NFL a little longer. The 300-pounder could even become a special teams blocker in jumbo packages.
“It’s a great thing to gain some experience,” he said. “Offensive line is naturally harder. You have to be more passive than aggressive.”
Rabach has been impressed with Alexander’s quick study. The first-year lineman is absorbing the playbook after a scant experience with it in the spring.
“Zo’s a unique character,” Rabach said. “For him to flop over is pretty remarkable.”
Or maybe a smart opportunity.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
