The Washington Redskins had won the off-season, and not the free-spending ways of the past. They build a competitive roster with smart strategy, drafting, trading, and getting a bit of luck in free agency.
Inside linebacker Reuben Foster was one of those smart moves, claiming him last November off waivers after the San Francisco 49ers waived him. Foster was at the time accused of domestic violence in a team hotel with his ex-girlfriend. Charges were since dropped, and the league activated him off the NFL commissioner’s exempt list without suspending him for the upcoming season.
It was supposed to be a fresh start for the former Alabama star, however, just a couple of plays into his first OTA’s practice, Foster was being carted off the field with an air cast on his left knee.
The injury occurred during a non-contact drill when he stepped on teammate’s Tyler Catalina’s foot, according to head coach Jay Gruden.
When asked about the rash of injuries that have occurred with the Redskins in recent years, Gruden said he didn’t know how to process it, but Foster’s injury “takes the cake:”
Foster’s injury adds to the growing list of unfortunate injuries that have plagued the team for the past couple of seasons. Last season, they placed 28 players on season-ending injured reserve, including quarterbacks Alex Smith and Colt McCoy.
Smith suffered a catastrophic compound fracture in his right leg that has jeopardized his playing future.
The Redskins were so concerned about the rash of injuries throughout the recent years, they hired an outside consulting firm to look into their handling in prevention to the injuries.
During his press conference with the media, Gruden said he wished Washington could do all walk-throughs.
Monday was supposed to be emphasizing on their quarterback competition between veteran Case Keenum and rookie Dwayne Haskins. Instead, the Redskins are still waiting results of Foster’s MRI to understand the extent of what appears to be a significant injury.
