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RICHMOND — The past two seasons, linebacker Junior Galette was forced to watch the action from the sidelines while recovering from a torn Achilles. He signed in Washington before the 2015 season, but has yet to play a down for the Redskins.
With the injuries behind him, Galette is now eager to get back out there and show the Redskins and the rest of the NFL that he has something left in the tank and can be an elite pass rusher again.
“It’s all about progress,” he said Monday. “Each day you’re supposed to be on an incline, so as long as I’m doing that, I’m good.”
Galette registered 22 sacks over his last two seasons in New Orleans.
“From OTA’s to now, and doing some one-on-one drills with real good NFL lineman for the first time in two years, I do feel the progress,” he said.
His competition in practice has helped as well, battling All-Pro lineman Trent Williams on a daily basis.
“It’s the best way to get better. I can’t think of an NFL lineman that’s better than him. His speed, his technique, his hands — he has it all,” Galette said of Williams.
Having gone through a recovery process twice, the mental process of getting back on the field is not something for everyone. For Galette, it hasn’t been an issue.
“The second time around I knew it was going to be stronger,” he said. “I knew it [the Achilles] was going to be thicker. Once you get through month three or four, the doctor told me there’s a 2-3 percent chance of tearing it again.”
Galette originally signed to play in Joe Berry’s defense, but never had the opportunity due to his injuries. He is now learning a new scheme under Greg Manusky.
“I know from being around Greg, he’s very aggressive,” Galette said. “He likes to get after people. He doesn’t care. He wants to have opposing offenses to have some fear in their hearts. I like that attitude, that’s just my persona period playing football getting after it.”
Not being out there for two years, Galette says he’s taking nothing for granted as he’s trying to make a comeback and help this team win this season. He knows what he’s missed.
“Everything,” he said. “From the food, the players and the meetings. The 30-minute nap you get in between. Seeing the staff, team bonding, and everything I missed. The Gatorade! everything.”
