The Washington Redskins are arguably one of the most competitive teams in the NFL. Unfortunately, they are becoming one of the most depleted teams in the league. Already saddled with a grocery list of injuries, the Redskins may be without its best offensive player in left tackle Trent Williams.
Williams is nursing a right knee injury which may require surgery. He is expected to miss Sunday’s clash against their archrival the Dallas Cowboys, according to John Keim of ESPN.com.
If indeed Williams does not play against the Cowboys, the Redskins may have to trot out a makeshift offensive line. Starting center Spencer Long is already out with a knee injury. Right guard Brandon Scherff, who has had an All-Pro caliber season, is questionable with a knee injury as well as right tackle Morgan Moses after suffering injuries to both ankles. There is a good the Redskins will be without at least three starting offensive linemen for a crucial game against the Cowboys.
Williams admitted he struggled in blocking in last week’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles due to his knee injury. Scherff suffered his knee injury in the game against the Eagles. Moses injured both of his ankles in the same.
Williams has battled through the injury the past couple of games in large due to primary backup offensive tackle Ty Nsekhe being hurt with a core muscle injury. Sunday will be Nsekhe’s fourth game out with the injury. That leaves the Redskins forced to play T.J. Clemmings, who the team claimed off waivers from the Minnesota Vikings back in September, if Williams is unable to go. Rookie Chase Roullier will replace Long at center. Meanwhile, if Scherff cannot go, Washington will start Tyler Catalina in his place.
No team wants to deal with injuries at any point in the season. But, given the importance of Sunday’s game with Dallas, the rash of injuries could not come at a worst time. In addition to possibly having three starting offensive linemen out, the Redskins will be without starting Mike linebacker Mason Foster, who was placed on injured reserve with a torn labrum. Cornerback Josh Norman (rib) is expected to return for Sunday’s game.
