Injuries, suspension make line a concern for Redskins
Posted by Darin Gantt on December 18, 2012, 9:54 AM EST
As much as Robert Griffin III has changed the quarterback position for the Redskins, they’re also benefitting from the fact they’ve started the same offensive line in all 14 games.
Injuries and a suspension have thrown that group into flux, however, at a time when they need to play their best.
“It’s nice to not have to adjust, not so much what you’re doing, but the timing of everything just because you’ve got new guys in there that aren’t used to running the offense the way we’re doing it right now,” left guard Kory Lichtensteiger said while knocking on wood, via Rich Campbell of the Washington Times.
But center Will Montgomery injured his MCL in Sunday’s win over the Browns, and right tackle Tyler Polumbus suffered a concussion. With backup tackle Jordan Black suspended four games, the Redskins are suddenly running thin at what had been a stable position.
With Lichtensteiger shifting inside to snap, only two Redskins offensive linemen finished the game in the spot they started — left tackle Trent Williams and right guard Chris Chester.
“Whatever it is, guys have got to step up and pay at a high level, and we expect them to do that,” Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said.
On a team with veteran parts, it’s easier to cover things. But with a choice between a pair of rookies, one injured, the Redskins need all the help they can get up front.