The three faces of the Washington Redskins since LaVar Arrington left are LB Marcus Washington, WR Santana Moss, and the many faces of RB Clinton Portis. The biggest news hitting local newspapers following this weeks OTAs are updates on the health of these stalwarts.
Ryan O’Halleran at The Washington Times reports that Portis developed patella tendinitis in the knee and sat out practice Wednesday and Thursday. Portis is rehabilitating his shoulder and hand after injuries suffered last season. His tendinitis is a new issue.
“He had some soreness in the knee, but he described that he could run and work out on it and it would be fine the next day,” coach Joe Gibbs said. “This week, it bothered him after the workout day so we decided to have it looked at.”
Portis can treat his injury with therapy, unlike LaVar Arrington whose arthroscopic surgery on his lateral meniscus tear in his right knee ended his effectiveness. According to Redskins trainer Bubba Tyer,
“He has to get some therapy, strengthen his quadriceps, stretch his hamstring and he’ll be fine.”
Tyer wouldn’t say which of Portis’ knees was affected, or how long he would miss practice.
In better news, linebacker Marcus Washington participated in drills this week, according to Howard Bryant at The Washington Post.
“Washington, who is coming off of left hip surgery, had not been able to be a part of off-season workouts and won’t be cleared to join full practices until mini-camp in mid-June.”
Even when Arrington was in full health, Washington emerged as the essential cog in Gregg Williams’ defense both pressuring the passer and stopping the run. The Redskins are counting on the linebacker corps and secondary to boost pass pressure. Linebacker coach Kirt Olivadotti has already pencilled Washington, free agent London Fletcher Baker and second year man Rocky McIntosh as the starters. Lemar Marshall, who moved from the weak side to middle linebacker two years ago was told that he has a chance to compete for a starting role. However, Washington’s disruptive influence would not be easy to replace.
Santana Moss injured his groin earlier in the week and will take his workouts slower.
“The main thing is to take care of it now,” Gibbs said. “We don’t [want to] have to think about this later.”
Excuse me as I clinch every oriface until these guys return to full health.
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