According to Redskins coach Joe Gibbs, rookie offensive tackle Mark Wilson will likely get his first career start this weekend against the Pittsburgh Steelers. With Randy Thomas set to miss 2-4 weeks with a hamstring injury, Ray Brown will move to his more natural position of left guard, opening up the spot for Wilson.
The Redskins selected Mark Wilson in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL draft in an effort to add depth to the offensive line. Wilson, much like injured right tackle Jon Jansen, never missed a game in college, starting 48 consecutive games for the California Golden Bears.
Coach Gibbs stated that the team considered starting Jim Molinaro as well, but Wilson practiced mostly on the right side of the line, while Molinaro practiced mostly on the left side. Vaughn Parker - the former Charger tackle the Redskins acquired several weeks ago – is said to still be working his way into playing condition and not available for this week’s game.
Hog Wire Notebook
The Washington Redskins offense has been a lesson in futility for coaches, players and fans this season. If you weren’t sure how futile, consider this: The Redskins are the first team since the 1993 Cincinnati Bengals and only the fourth in the last fifty years to play ten games without scoring more than twenty points.
Kicker John Hall will participate in full practice this week, and barring any setbacks, should get the starting nod in Pittsburgh this weekend. Cornelius Griffin also participated in light practice yesterday and could be available for this weekend’s contest.
Chris Samuels and Fred Smoot could possibly miss a few practices this week due to their lingering injuries, but are not expected to miss any game-time action. Mike Sellers and Jermaine Haley both suffered injuries in Sunday’s Eagles game, but returned to action later in that game, and are not expected to miss any time.
LaVar Arrington may return to practice this week, but is not expected to be available, and fellow linebacker Mike Barrow will be a game-time decision. If Barrow cannot play against Pittsburgh, he could be placed on the injured reserve list as the coaching staff has indicated a decision will be made this week regarding his status. Phillip Daniels has begun practicing again, but according to the club, he is still a few weeks away from a possible return.
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