Prior to Monday’s night shellacking against Pittsburgh, the Washington Redskins had 16 players listed on their weekly injury report. That’s one third of their 53-man roster.
Some injuries are minor, and are expected after a grueling training camp, complete with two-a-day practices. The Skins also played the most preseason games (five) and are feeling the bite of the injury bug in a big way, as they enter their bye week.
I had the pleasure of listening to Chris Cooley on local DC talk radio show “Elliott in the Morning” on Tuesday reveal about how his body is “dead all over” after each game. And he hasn’t been listed as injured once this season. So imagine my displeasure upon noting that several of the Cowboys stars are set to return for the November 16th contest against the Skins.
At 6-3 they are in second place in the NFC East, but confidence in their ability to put a competitive team on the field for the remainder of the season has to be, at the very least, shaken. Here’s a rundown of the ailing A-players that must get healthy, to keep their postseason chances alive.
CB, Shawn Springs
Springs has missed four of the past five games with a strained calf. He has promised he would be ready for the Dallas game. If he doesn’t go then Coach Zorn again would have to put a second stringer on Terrible Terrell Owens.
DE, Jason Taylor
Tayor, who missed the first meeting against Dallas, is less sure to be ready for the rematch, due to the lingering effects of a calf thrombosis.
He has had to undergo two surgeries to drain blood that wouldn’t stop pooling inside his leg, causing extreme pain. Doctors were concerned his life was in danger after the initial diagnosis.
He’s missed three out of the past six games and rest has been prescribed as the best medicine for this type of problem. Defcon status: 4
WR, Santana Moss
Moss, The 'Skins leading WR, admirably gave it a go this week, despite nursing a sore hamstring. He had to leave the Steelers game when it tightened up on him. Moss is expected to play against Dallas.
LT, Chris Samuels
Samuels, thankfully, didn’t report more damage to the sprained right knee he suffered in Week Eight against the Cleveland Browns. He was a surprise inactive entry for the Detroit Lions games, which ended his five-year consecutive starts streak.
And the news isn’t getting better for the worn out wahoos.
Add two more key players for the depth of their defensive line to the injury list. Reserve tackle, Anthony Montgomery, strained his Achilles tendon, and was at Redskins Park wearing a walking boot.
Lorenzo Alexander who already had a bad toe, sprained a shoulder. Despite these massive concerns, Jim Zorn had reassured the media that yes, with the exception of draft pick dud (so far) WR Malcolm Kelly and backup running back Ladell Betts, all of the players I’ve mentioned will play.
And what about those Cowboys that are on the mend? QB Tony Romo, top CB Terence Newman, and rookie speedster, RB Felix Jones are all slated to return from their injuries.
In a cruel twist of scheduling fate, them 'Cowgirls' also have their bye week.
So there it is folks. The burgundy and gold fans are finding it increasing hard to cheer without hesitation. But Jim Zorn has taken a ragtag mix of veterans and young guns to a 6-3 record when many in the media world picked them to be last in their division.
I still want to have faith in this year’s team. Jason Campbell’s maturation process finally has begun to produce results, good enough to make him a mid-season MVP candidate in the NFC. (In my dubious opinion)
In the second half of the season what I want to see from the Redskins is heart. No excuses for anything that happens on the field. Win or lose together.
Here’s hoping the aches and pains of football don’t ruin the Redskins, and they put a pounding on down, but certainly not out Dallas.
Hail lady of victory! Pray for us!
4 comments Last one added 8 months ago — Leave a Comment
Craig Garrison Sr 8 months ago
Another good perspective Jennifer, the injuries, even the minor ones have likely been one of the keys to the Skins lack of overall progress recently, the bye came at a very good time.
Zorn will get them back on track again!
HTTR!
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Jennifer Johnson 8 months ago
Even the minor injuries make a top notch player less effective. If you're a speedy receiver, and you have turf toe then naturally your ability to get separation from an opposing CB would be hindered right?
This article was meant to illustrate the team's health status, and I hope injuries aren't used as an excuse to tank it the rest of the way.
That Rams game was one they really need back. But it's over and done with.
Keys to coming away with a victory against the Cowgirls are simple. Protect Jason Campbell like he's President Obama, and don't turn the ball over. I'd like to see Zorn test the Cowboy secondary. Failure to compete is harder on the stomach than losing on a last second field goal.
K Craig. Let's see if they can refocus on their team concept. Who do they want to be and where do they want to go?
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michael evans 8 months ago
there is one thing the Redskins have proven to me and the rest of the world and that is 2 out of the last 3 seasons the Redskins went on a 4 game and 5 game winning streak to end their season.....and make it into the playoffs....I think we are hoping for a little more this year b/c of a great start, that they win the division but the Giants have been proven hard to beat....so I think the Redskins can definately make it in, winning the division will be tough though
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Jennifer Johnson 8 months ago
Michael,
The parity in the NFL is so hard to predict.
Even the mighty Joe Gibbs couldn't help us become consistent winners. In 4 years he led us to the playoffs twice. We lost in the 1st round to the Seahawks last year and in 2005 we lost to them after winning our 1st round game in Tampa Bay. LaVar Arrington's last game as a redskin by the way.
No wonder coaches lose their jobs every year. The pressure to win now, is felt in DC bc of the Norv Turner years (1 playoff appearance in 96 with Brad Johnson as QB) and its just a different feeling coming from the players this year under Coach Zorn.
I like Jason Campbell more so now, bc his teammates want to play for him. That's huge. If you don't trust your QB the whole team suffers.
The G-men are awesome, with a very physical defense. That's what wins championships. Eli doesn't have to win games with his arm. See Titans this year. They look like the 2000 Ravens. That team made winning ugly an art form.
We shall see what the second half brings to us. I hope its a playoff appearance. :)
Go Skins!!!
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