Here is what you need to know on this Friday, October 19, two days before the Redskins open their 2012 division schedule against the Giants.
Plan B on the punter?
When Mike Shanahan informed the media that Sav Rocca was limited in practice with a knee injury yesterday, it was not thought to be anything major. It turns out that it might be something serious.
According to multiple reports, the Redskins are bringing in former Eagles punter Chas Henry for a tryout. This obviously means that there are concerns that Rocca will not be able to punt on Sunday against the Giants.
Rocca’s absence would affect more than just the punting operation. He also is the holder and there could be some difficulty in keeping the field goal and extra point operations running smoothly. Kai Forbath kicked a 50-yard field goal and was good on all extra point attempts last Sunday with Rocca holding.
An injury to a specialist is always difficult to deal with due to roster limitations. If Rocca can’t go the Redskins will have to create a roster spot for Henry or whoever they might sign to be the punter. That would mean either releasing a position player or possibly putting Rocca on injured reserve if the injury is expected to keep him out for longer than a week.
Henry averaged 48.5 yards per punt in three games for the Eagles this year.
Get the jump on them
Last December when the Redskins beat the Giants at MetLife Stadium, they jumped out to a 17-0 lead in the second quarter and were up 17-3 at intermission and 20-3 at the end of the third quarter. It would behoove Washington to get out to an early lead again on Sunday.
The Giants have outscored the opposition in every quarter this year but their margin is most decisive in the fourth quarter. They have 59 fourth-quarter points this year and have given up 27. A quick calculation tells you that’s better than a two to one margin in the final 15 minutes.
The Redskins have struggled in the final period, especially on defense. They have given up 77 points in the fourth, an average of nearly two touchdowns per game. They have scored 41 in the fourth.
Today’s schedule
11:50—Practice (closed to the media after first 30 minutes)
After practice (approx. 1:30)—Open locker room and Mike Shanahan news conference
In case you missed it
The Redskins and RG3 had the Vikings’ defense utterly confused.
Eli Manning is not feeling the heat.
Days until: RG3’s first division game @ Giants 2; Redskins @ Steelers 9; Thanksgiving Redskins @ Cowboys 34; Ravens @ Redskins 51
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