Washington Redskins Injuries For Week 5

The Washington Redskins injury report this week is a bit of a good news-bad news situation. The good news is that neither top wide receiver Pierre Garcon or LT Trent Williams is on it. The bad news is multiple starters and top contributors are still listed.

Safety Brandon Meriweather, who has yet to suit up for the Washington Redskins is out after running into wide receiver Aldrick Robinson in pre-game warm-ups last week in Tampa. Meriweather injured his knee, and while it is not season ending it is likely to be a couple of weeks, though the Redskins haven’t said anything for certain.

Speaking of Robinson, Mike Shanahan addressed his situation yesterday, “He’ll have some tests tomorrow and if he’s cleared with those tests, he’ll practice tomorrow.” The fact that he hasn’t practiced yet makes it unlikely that he’ll dress for this weeks game even if he passes the concussion tests. It wouldn’t be unprecedented, as earlier this year Josh Wilson missed a couple days of practice waiting for his concussion tests, but it would be surprising for Robinson given the hit that he took last Sunday.

Further complicating the receiver position is the fact that Brandon Banks (who still kinda classifies as a wide receiver) has been limited in practice again this week with his hip. Though he played last week, he definitely wasn’t healthy. He didn’t return any kicks or was that aggressive on punts. Also, the only offensive play that he even participated in was the throw back to Robert Griffin III when he hit Niles Paul for a big gain. Banks was essentially a decoy last week, and it would be risky to see him used in that capacity again. If his speed or shiftiness is compromised in any way by this injury, then he is a liability to keep on the active roster and playing him on the field. If he doesn’t show that he is more than a decoy, the Falcons won’t be as concerned with him and target Robert Griffin more. With Robinson a question mark as well the loss of Banks on top would significantly reduce the amount of speed the Washington Redskins can put on the field.

Another offensive player who will probably be listed as questionable is running back Evan Royster. He played injured last week as well, given that Ryan Grant didn’t know the playbook. With Grant more familiar with the system, and praised by Mike Shanahan, “He is getting more comfortable with the system. I can’t tell you for sure if he is going to be dressing, but I like what we’ve seen. I like they guy. He picks things up very quickly. He’s very sharp. You can see he has got some running skills, so it’s a good addition for us.”, now might be a good time to give Royster a game off. Maybe you still dress him in case of an emergency, but he probably shouldn’t play.

The final name on the injury report is cornerback Cedric Griffin who has not participated in practice this week due to his hamstring injury. Not practicing makes it pretty unlikely he’ll be able to play, especially given that it is an injury that will effect his ability to run. The loss of Griffin and Meriweather is not good for one of the worst passing defenses in the league. Their match-up this week against receivers Roddy White and Julio Jones, quarterback Matt Ryan and tight end Tony Gonzalez is about as tough as you can get in the NFL. Griffin and Meriweather might not have made a major difference, but they would have added some size and experience.

Overall these injuries aren’t as bad as it’s been for the Washington Redskins this season, but they still aren’t nearly as healthy as you’d like to see. The secondary injuries are the most troubling this week as Washington goes up against some great pass catchers. Still the injury report is better than when the Redskins top receiver or left tackle was on it.

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