WP: Trent Williams improving, hopes to play Sunday

[Oldskool]

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/offensive-line/trent-williams-improving-hopes.html?wprss=redskinsinsider

Left tackle Trent Williams, who is suffering from knee and toe injuries, continued to improve and hopes to practice Friday in an attempt to play against the St. Louis Rams, Coach Mike Shanahan said Thursday.

"We'll get a chance to see how he feels [Friday]," Shanahan said of the rookie, who has played well in his first two games. Williams was "much better today. He was able to jog and be on the treadmill for a while, so we'll check him out [Friday]."

With Williams sidelined Thursday, tackle Jammal Brown, who started the first two games on the right side, worked on the left side and fared well. "He looked good," offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said. "He's getting better each day, getting more comfortable with what we do and continuing to get better."

Backup tackle Stephon Heyer, who replaced Williams after Williams was hurt in Week 2, also has practiced at left tackle. "He's looked good," Kyle Shanahan said. "There's only so many linemen on each team, so he's gotten reps since he's been here - a ton of them."

The Redskins are encouraged because Williams's knee seems to have responded well this week. "I think its more the toe," Mike Shanahan said. "The knee, I think it's a little bit sore. But more the toe than the knee and that's a good sign."

Free safety Kareem Moore, who missed the first two games while recovering from knee surgery, remained on track to return to the lineup Sunday against the Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. "I'm looking forward to him playing," Mike Shanahan said. "He's been hurt for quite a long time right now.

"He did a great job through our OTAs [organized team activities] and our summer [conditioning] program. I'm hoping that he comes back and plays at a high level. He's a football player. He's got a feel for coverages and when to break. You either have it back there when you're deep or you don't. He's a playmaker."

Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, inactive against Houston because of an ankle injury, participated fully in practice. "I think he's fine," Mike Shanahan said. "He had a good practice today. It didn't look like there were any setbacks. Hopefully, no setbacks tomorrow."

Wide receiver Anthony Armstrong (groin) and safety Chris Horton (ankle and groin) did not participate in practice.

By Jason Reid | September 23, 2010; 3:57 PM ET

[Est.1974]

We've dodged a bullet here with Trent.

After seeing him hit the turf on Sunday, to be even at this point within the week is great news.

[thecardiacrll]

We've dodged a bullet here with Trent.

After seeing him hit the turf on Sunday' date=' to be even at this point within the week is great news.[/quote'] Agreed but I still say rest him this week. If we cant beat the Rams even without Trent well were in trouble anyway. We need him for Philly Greenbay and Indy.

[JohnnyUtah]

I was so concerned that we lost him for the season. Get well soon, Trent!

This guy is turning out to be a monster.

[Rob Mexico]

I am sooo happy that he is feeling better. Trent really looks like he is going to be a stud. So here is to hoping he makes the probowl this year!

[RWJ]

Agreed but I still say rest him this week. If we cant beat the Rams even without Trent well were in trouble anyway. We need him for Philly Greenbay and Indy.

I agree.

[Rexx1240]

Agreed but I still say rest him this week. If we cant beat the Rams even without Trent well were in trouble anyway. We need him for Philly Greenbay and Indy.

Couldnt agree more. Also, this should be a good game for Kareem to get his legs back under him & gain some confidence back..especially against a rookie QB. We will DEFINITELY need him for these upcomin games for sure.

[bushwack]

Shanahan definitely needs to rest him, we don't need him playing this week against the Rams at 80-90%. No need to turn a 1 week injury into a 6 or 7-week injury by playing him against the Rams this week. I do love though that he wants to play this week.

[greenspandan]

man. when trent williams was down on the turf, looking so bitterly angry and in such obvious severe pain, i thought for sure he knew his season (and ours, to be honest) was over.

sounds like we got lucky.

[kbltheman]

When was the last time the Redskins had a season when they didn't lose a starting offensive lineman to injury for the season or some significant part of the season--I would bet it's been quite a while. While I would like to see Trent play on Sunday, I think allowing him to rest it further in what is only week 3 of the season isn't such a bad idea.

As far as Moore, he says he's 100% and ready to go, so it will be good to see him in the line up. I think Shanahan's quote in reference to Moore is very telling about others:

Free safety Kareem Moore, who missed the first two games while recovering from knee surgery, remained on track to return to the lineup Sunday against the Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. "I'm looking forward to him playing," Mike Shanahan said. "He's been hurt for quite a long time right now.

"He did a great job through our OTAs [organized team activities] and our summer [conditioning] program. I'm hoping that he comes back and plays at a high level. He's a football player. He's got a feel for coverages and when to break. You either have it back there when you're deep or you don't. He's a playmaker."

['Skins_&_'Stons]

[Brandon Lloyd Christmas]

i just hope we dont rush him. id rather him miss this one game than 3 down the road later in the season. and if hes gonna miss a game, it should be against the rams.

[Dukes and Skins]

I'm hoping that Trent is able to go this weekend but I don't want him to re-injure himself so it's all a matter of if he'll be ready to go and if he knee isn't giving him too much pain.

[greenspandan]

it sounds like his knee is not even the problem, he's just got a gimpy toe mostly. if he can go, let him go. i'd hate lose McNabb for the season because we decided to rest trent against the "lowly" rams.

[GhostofSparta]

No. Let him rest. For the love of God, do not rush your franchise LT back too early and cause more damage. Give him a week off, let him be fresh for Philly in 2 weeks.

[lou4gehrig]

This is big to me. It shows Trent is going to be a gamer. Some guys manage to play week in and week out no matter what.

You have to figure most players are injured the same level all the time. Yet somebody like Favre plays every single week, while somebody like Haynesworth seems to misses random games here or there. Trent is a rock. I love it.

[Diesel Hog]

This is big to me. It shows Trent is going to be a gamer. Some guys manage to play week in and week out no matter what.

You have to figure most players are injured the same level all the time. Yet somebody like Favre plays every single week, while somebody like Haynesworth seems to misses random games here or there. Trent is a rock. I love it.

:thumbsup:

I really hope we get him some more help in the offseason...like drafting a LG/RG, and a young RB to run through the holes our soon to be awesome O-Line will be making.

I like the Williams pick, and he's already proved he was a good pick and can have a solid career in the NFL. Now...we need about 3 more awesome O-Linemen to have the Hogs 2.0.

[jflow78]

I can't wait to see Moore out there at FS, FINALLY.

[Thinking Skins]

I wonder whats up with the Armstrong injury. Will DT finally see time at WR with Shanny? And Will McNabb utilize him? I've got a feeling that when he pays he'll have a breakout game.

[GoDeep81]

Love the fight big man has, wanting to practice full speed on Fri., but PLEASE dont rush him back too soon!! Let him sit and watch how an O line should dominate a lesser defense this week!! Get him fired up and fresh for Philly!! Also, cant wait to see Moore back in the lineup!!

[Dallascrushers]

this is amazinggggggggggggggggg news it makes it likely he will be definitely playing against the Eagles with hopefully no set backs

[iMeast]

I hope the big guy gets and stays healthy. He looks like the real deal and the perfect guy to replace the always classy Chris Samuels.

HTTR

[acuratl1984]

IMO, dress him and have him activated but dont plan on playing him. That way IF heyer or brown looks terrible and we can have him come in.

[MartinC]

Great news the injury seems to be not as serious as it seemed when it happened. If there is any doubt though keep him out for a week so he is as close to 100% as any player can be during an NFL season before he comes back.

I would slide Brown over to LT and stick Heyer in (gulp) at RT.

As for Thomas if Armstrong is out he should get some snaps at receiver. Probably as no better than the 4th guy though - what he does with those snaps and the opportunity is up to him. He has showed good desire and ability with the ball in his hand as a kick returner - get him some touches as a receiver and lets see what he can do with yards after the catch and in the red zone.

[Rudechain]

Agreed but I still say rest him this week. If we cant beat the Rams even without Trent well were in trouble anyway. We need him for Philly Greenbay and Indy.

I understand what your saying and I do agree. But at the same time, Williams is still a rookie. And if he is healthy enough to play then I think it would only benefit him to get more reps alongside Dockery to further develop that essential chemistry and familiarity.

He also gets a chance to test out his knee and toe against live competition at full speed. This does a few things for Trent and the team. 1) They can judge his recovery from injury. 2) Can further develop cohesion along the left side of the line. Doc and Trent while playing well, can find room to improve, especially concerning matters they work in tandem. 3) Trent playing this week allows us to further develop cohesion along the right side of the with Brown/Hicks.

Now if Trent's injuries diminish his abilities or effectiveness, then the point is moot. But if he is able to play, then I think it will pay off against those teams later in the schedule.