Needing more depth on the offensive line after the injuries during the Packers’ game, the Washington Redskins signed 6’7″, 320 pound tackle Calvin Armstrong, a sixth-round draft pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2005. He was active for three games in his rookie season but did not play in any games, and was released before the start of the 2006 season. Armstrong, who played at Washington State, was with the Redskins in the off-season but released in final roster cuts.
The Redskins also signed 6’4″, 312 pound tackle Kevin Sampson, a seventh-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2004. He has played in 16 games and made seven starts. Sampson, who played at Syracuse, was released by the Chiefs before the start of this season and was on the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad for two weeks.
To make room for the new tackles, the team released offensive lineman Kili Lefotu from the practice squad. The Redskins drafted Lefotu in the seventh round of the 2006 draft; he was placed on the practice squad after being hospitalized during training camp with sleep apnea. Last weekend he was arrested after reportedly pulling a mirror off a wall in Nick’s Corner Grill, chasing several patrons and pushing a male patron. He is facing charges of assault and battery, and destruction of property.
Also released was fullback Brian Bell.
More ‘Ohh’ Line:
It is very possible that the Arizona game may start just like the Green Bay game ended: with tackle Chris Samuels being the only starter from last season’s offensive line on the field. The Redskins lost starting right tackle Jon Jansen in the opening game, and starting right guard Randy Thomas suffered torn triceps in week two. After the bye week, the Redskins appeared set with a patch-work offensive line when backup Todd Wade, who had been used at guard, was moved back to tackle to replace Jansen, and backup tackle Jason Fabini moved to guard to replace Thomas.
The team added depth when they signed veteran guards Rick DeMulling to the active roster and Justin Geisinger to the practice squad. At that point, every starting offensive lineman was playing beside someone they had not played with or beside before; throw in late addition guard Pete Kendall (replacing Derrick Dockery) as the starter on the left side, and regardless which way any lineman looked, there was a new face.
Now the new faces are subject to change as Washington heads into week seven. During the Green Bay loss, Todd Wade, Casey Rabach and Stephon Heyer (the replacement for Wade) all went down. Gibbs only carries seven offensive linemen on game day so when Heyer went down late, Wade was forced back in since Mike Pucillo was already in the game as the replacement for Rabach at center. If Wade and Heyer can’t play, the Redskins may move Fabini back to right tackle, start DeMulling at right guard, and defensive lineman Lorenzo Alexander could be used for depth.
Pete Kendall did not participate in drills on Wednesday to rest his knees and hamstrings, but returned on Thursday.
News and Notes
— Ron Springs, father of starting cornerback Shawn Springs, underwent surgery to remove a cyst from his elbow Saturday. On Tuesday, he was reportedly in a coma and on a respirator, with no brain activity. Shawn Springs has been excused from team activities this week to be with his family in Texas.
— The Redskins’ defense is ranked first in the NFC in the following categories: Yards per Game, Yards per Play, Net Passing Yards per Play, Net Passing Yards per Game, First Downs per Game, Third Down Efficiency, and Points per Game. Gregg Williams’ unit is ranked third in NFL in overall team defense.
— There are a few members of the Arizona team and staff with ties to the Redskins: Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt played tight end (89-90), Assistant Head Coach Russ Grimm played guard (81-91), offensive lineman Brad Badger (97-99), quarterback Tim Hasselbeck (03-04), and Quarterback Coach Jeff Rutledge played quarterback (90-92).
— The NFL trade deadline came and passed without the Redskins making any moves.
Up Next:
The Arizona Cardinals, at 3-3, come into FedEx Field on Sunday, Oct. 21st, ranked first in the NFC West. Kickoff is at 1p.m. For those not in the area you can follow the game online. The Cardinals lost to the Carolina Panthers (25-10) as starting quarterback Kurt Warner suffered an elbow injury and was forced from the game. The Cardinals will be led by backups: quarterback Tim Rattay who replaced Warner and completed 12 of 24 passes for 159 yards and three interceptions, and middle linebacker Gerald Hayes (38 tackles: 31 solo/7 assist, and 1 forced fumble). The Arizona Cardinals are ranked tenth in points scored with 128 points but the defense is second in points allowed, giving up 136 points.
Injury Update:
Leading tackler LB Karlos Dansby (left knee) will miss three-to-four weeks, and QB Kurt Warner (left elbow) participated during part of Wednesday’s practice, as reported by the Arizona Republic.
Complete Tale of the Tape:
Total Offense: Washington is ranked 16th with 333.4 yards per game and Arizona ranks 15th with 332.2 ypg.
Rushing Offense: Washington is ranked 14th with 123 yards per game and Arizona ranks 17th with 106.7 ypg.
Passing Offense: Washington is ranked 18th with 210 yards per game and Arizona ranks 13th with 226.2 ypg.
Total Defense: Washington is ranked 3rd giving up 259 yards per game and Arizona ranks 15th with 328 ypg.
Rushing Defense: Washington is ranked 6th giving up 79.6 yards per game and Arizona ranks 16th with 114.3 ypg.
Passing Defense: Washington is ranked 5th giving up 179.4 yards per game and Arizona ranks 17th with 213.7 ypg.
Injury Report:
T Todd Wade Probable (strained groin)
Wade did not take part in practice on Wednesday but participated in limited drills on Thursday.
T Stephon Heyer Probable (strained hamstring)
Heyer did not take part in practice on Wednesday but returned on Thursday.
C Casey Rabach Questionable (strained groin)
Rabach did not take part in practice on Wednesday or Thursday.
RB Clinton Portis Probable (Knee)
Portis took part in Wednesday’s practice.
DE Phillip Daniels Probable (Hamstring)
Daniels is also dealing with a sore foot and a bruised back, but was able to practice this week.
LB Marcus Washington Questionable (Hamstring)
Washington participated in limited drills on Wednesday and Thursday, and hopes to play on Sunday.
WR Santana Moss Probable (Groin)
Moss took part in practice on Wednesday and Thursday.
RG Randy Thomas Out (torn triceps muscle)
Thomas underwent successful surgery and hopes to be back in the lineup sometime in December.
Injured Reserves:
FB Broughton, Nehemiah (Knee)
TE Ecker, Tyler (Groin)
WR Espy, Mike (Knee)
WR Harris, Steven (Knee)
WR McAddley, Jason (Hamstring)
OL Tucker, Ross (Neck)
OT Jansen, Jon (Ankle)
Edit: This blog was archived in May of 2016 from our original articles database.It was originally posted by Bernie Marshall