The Washington Redskins have been a relatively healthy team so far this year, with none of their major contributors missing significant playing time. After this week’s frustrating loss at Dallas on Monday night, only three players were limited in practice on Wednesday.
Wide receiver Anthony Armstrong suffered a hamstring injury during the game on Monday right before halftime. Armstrong did not make a single catch in this game nor was he targeted by quarterback Rex Grossman. Armstrong has not factored into the Redskins’ offensive plan this season, so fantasy football players and Redskins fans need not to be too worried about Armstrong missing any time. The Redskins have elected to run the ball more this season and work short and medium routes in the passing game. Armstrong will have to get healthy and step-up his game if he wants to be a contributor on this team.
Safety DeJon Gomes and fullback Darrel Young were also limited in practice on Wednesday. Neither of these players were active against the Cowboys on Monday night and neither will likely receive any playing time against the St. Louis Rams in Week 4.
Chris Cooley, the Washington tight end caught four passes for a total of 41 yards in the loss the Cowboys. Cooley has been plagued with a knee injury for the first three weeks of the season, but showed signs of becoming healthy in this game. He was targeted 5 times by Rex Grossman while Washington’s other tight end, Fred Davis, only caught one pass for 23 yards. Despite the statistics recorded in the Dallas game, Fred Davis remains the team’s best receiving tight end, and Cooley’s role will likely continue to diminish as the season goes on.
Perhaps the most significant injury news from the Washington Redskins is the health of safety LaRon Landry. Landry played close to 30 snaps on defense in the Dallas game, and his presence was immediately felt. Landry showed that he still has superior closing speed and the ability to lay the big hit on an opposing receiver. Laurent Robinson dropped a third down pass after Landry laid a devastating blow to his mid-section. Landry totaled four tackles and one forced fumble in the game. Washington Redskins fans are extremely happy to have him back in the lineup, but will have to wait a few more weeks before he is 100%. Landry will continue to be spelled by Reed Doughty when he needs a breather.
Finally, Washington Redskins can breathe a sigh of relief in regards to pass-rushing linebacker Brian Orakpo. Orakpo left in the third quarter of the Dallas game due to cramping. After receiving an IV in the locker room, Orakpo came back to play later in the third, but was forced to leave again. Washington coach Mike Shanahan reiterated in his press conference after the game that Orakpo was experiencing cramps and nothing more serious. If Orakpo was to miss significant time, the Redskin defense would have trouble getting after opposing quarterbacks.
As long as the Redskins continue to stay healthy on both sides of the ball, they will remain contenders in the NFC East.
