WASHINGTON – Thursday proved to be a revealing day. But, as always, there are still uncertainties about about some Redskins favorites.
London Fletcher
The big news of the day was that London Fletcher revealed to Sports Illustrated that he suffered a concussion last year in the preseason game against the Buffalo Bills and nobody ever knew. He acknowledged that he didn’t tell the team about the effects, and was dealing with balance issues until late last season.
Asked why he never disclosed the injury, Fletcher said, “I’m an old-school player.”
He did say that he regrets not telling the team about the concussion sooner. Fletcher spoke at length in open locker room on Thursday about concussion and his situation.
“It’s Football, man. I play inside linebacker and I like to play physical. It can happen a couple times a game, but I wouldn’t classify them as concussions,” he said. “It’s just a little bell ring. You’ll see stars for a second then you’re back to normal after two, three seconds or whatever the case may be. It’s just the way the game is.”
After practice Mike Shanahan addressed the situation and was asked if he knew Fletcher had a concussion after the first exhibition game. “I don’t know for sure,” Shanahan said. “Any time you deal with a balance issue, my first thoughts are that it could be a concussion, but that’s what the doctors are for. That’s what they’re experts in.” Fletcher is 38-years-old and hasn’t missed a game in his 16-year career, playing 240 consecutive games.
Griffin Practice Update
Robert Griffin III went through his second straight day of practice in which he went against the first team defense. Mike Shanahan said, “It has been a full practice for him. We’ve had a chance to go against cards (scout team), we’ve had a chance to go against our defense. So he’s had two excellent days, same thing he would have during the regular season.” I’m sure Griffin will go through a full pregame warm up on Saturday as he has the last two games.
Saturday’s game and Injury Update
Mike Shanahan said he expects the starters to go about 20 plays on Saturday against the Bills. He also mentioned that Josh Wilson should be on the field for the first time this preseason. He has been working his way back from torn labrum surgery this off season.
The coach still isn’t sure about Brandon Merriweather. Do not expect to see him on Saturday.
Dante Stallworth said that he is hoping to play on Saturday. He hasn’t played since the first preseason game in Tennessee. He was on the practice field again Thursday for the second straight day, and has been taking it slow but is ready to get on the field in game action.
Kirk Cousins and Barry Cofield did not practice on Thursday. I wouldn’t county on seeing Kirk Cousins on Saturday. If he does not play, then you should get ready for the Rex Grossman/Pat White show against the Bills. Expect them each to play a half.
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