'It sets us back': Redskins put 2 starting o-linemen on IR

By AP
Published

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) Add left guard Shawn Lauvao and center Spencer Long to the ever-growing list of Washington Redskins done for the season because they're hurt.

Redskins coach Jay Gruden announced Tuesday that Long needs surgery on a quadriceps tendon and will be headed to injured reserve.

Later in the day, the team issued a news release saying that Lauvao would join him there because of a stinger, leaving Washington (4-6) without two-fifths of its starting offensive line.

In addition, backup center Chase Rouiller had a cast on his right hand and was wearing that arm in a sling in the locker room, and while Gruden did not rule him out for Thursday night's game against the New York Giants (2-8), third-stringer Tony Bergstrom would be next in line. Bergstrom has started five NFL games since entering the league in 2012.

Lauvao has started nine of Washington's 10 games this season. Long hasn't started since Week 7 and since then has only played briefly in Week 10. They join running back Chris Thompson and wide receiver Terrelle Pryor in going on IR this week.

Those moves raise Washington's total to 15 players on the list, including starters such as running back Rob Kelley, linebacker Mason Foster and defensive lineman Jonathan Allen, this year's first-round draft pick.

''It sets us back,'' safety D.J. Swearinger said about all of the injuries, ''but as a pro, the next guy's got to be prepared.''

In corresponding moves Tuesday, the Redskins signed a pair of free agents - defensive lineman A.J. Francis and center Demetrius Rhaney - and added running back LeShun Daniels and linebacker Pete Robertson to the active roster from the practice squad. Offensive lineman John Kling was added to the practice squad.

Robertson might be needed if linebacker Martrell Spaight is unavailable Thursday. Spaight, who moved into the starting lineup after injuries, was wearing a walking boot on his left foot Tuesday.

With so many health concerns, Gruden decided not to have any full-fledged practices this week, instead holding only walkthroughs.

''It's one thing to have a lot of guys go on IR, which we have. But it's another thing having guys with one- or two-week injuries who are inactive and then you have got to get guys ready,'' Gruden said.

''You have got to try to get your practice squad to match what you need at practice to even have a practice. That's been the hardest part.''

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