The Washington Redskins had a rash of injuries derail a promising start to last years, 2017 team and unfortunately for this years group, the injury bug has resurfaced at Redskins Park.
While speaking to the media today during his Monday press conference, Coach Jay Gruden delivered the devastating news of three starting players who will be out for the remainder of the season with injuries that will require surgery.
Pro Bowl right guard Brandon Scherff suffered a torn pectoral muscle in Sunday’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The two-time Pro Bowler was starting to round into form and was playing some of his best football over the past several weeks. The Iowa standouts loss paired with the uncertainty surrounding the return of Pro Bowl left tackle, Trent Williams, leaves a gaping hole along the line that will be missing its two best players.
Injuries have again damaged the #Redskins season. Starting OL guards Brandon Scherff (torn pec), Shawn Lauvao (torn ACL) and WR Paul Richardson (Shoulder/Knee) are out for the remainder of the season. This seems like last years scenario all over again.
— Lake Lewis Jr (@LakeLewis) November 5, 2018
Starting left guard Shawn Lauvao tore his ACL in yesterday’s loss. The nine-year veteran came over to the Redskins via free agency back in 2014. In his five seasons with the Burgundy and Gold, Lauvao has yet to play an entire season because of various injuries.
Wideout Paul Richardson has been battling shoulder and knee issues for most of the season and after Sunday’s contest, the team decided to have the five-year veteran undergo season-ending surgery to correct his problems. Richardson signed as a free agent from the Seattle Seahawks this past offseason. His play has been steady but unspectacular. On the season he has amassed 20 receptions for 262 yards and two touchdowns.
The Redskins will now have to look at available free agents and also assess their own practice squad to find replacements along the offensive line. The team does have several capable WRs on the current roster and could also sign a player off of their practice squad to fill depth at the position.