2 min read • January 05, 2021
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Quarterbacks - Alex Smith’s return has been a positive factor for Washington, but his leg is something to keep a close eye on even after his heroic return from a near-career-ending fracture. The calf injury he suffered in Week 13 was cause for some concern, as it occurred on the same leg. However, after missing Weeks 15 and 16, he returned for the season finale and led Washington to a playoff berth. His leg is obviously something to keep an eye on, but he has played well this season.
Kyle Allen had his crack at the starting job under center this year, but an ankle injury Week 9 ended his season, and he has been on injured reserve ever since. This has left Ron Rivera without his preferred backup as they move forward without Allen and also Dwayne Haskins.
Running Backs - Antonio Gibson has had a breakout season, but got hit with a toe injury and missed Weeks 14 and 15. He returned last week and has taken back over as the lead back in this offense. He appears to have gotten over the toe issue, and though he rushed himself back, had a good performance to seal out the regular season and will start heading into the playoffs.
Offensive Lineman - The Washington Football Team’s offensive line has had a tough 2020 experience. Not only did they lose Trent Williams, they dealt with injuries to tackles Geron Christian Sr. and Cornelius Lucas, guards Brandon Scherff and Saahdiq Charles, and center Chase Roullier. Charles and Christian Sr. remain on injured reserve, but the rest have fortunately returned to the fold in time for their final push.
Wide Receivers - Terry McLaurin missed Week 16 with a high ankle sprain, but returned to finish the regular season and had a good outing. His ankle could carry the risk of re-aggravation, but he will play as Washington enters the postseason. He was rushed back with the season on the line, but hamstrings can be tricky for wide receivers.
Washington has dealt with injuries all around their receiving corps this year, as Antonio Gandy Golden (hamstring), Steven Sims (toe) Kelvin Harmon (ACL) and Dontrell Inman (hamstring) have all missed significant time. Harmon is out for the year, Gandy-Golden has been cleared to return but has been gameday inactive, Sims has returned to the lineup and Inman has been active as a depth player. There are question marks in this wideout room, especially with McLaurin’s ankle, but their starters are intact.
Linebackers - The linebacking corps has taken its licks this year. Thomas Davis Sr. missed the first two games of the season with a calf injury, as well as the last two with a knee issue. He has announced he will retire after this year, and will hope to return and play out his final games in the postseason. Reuben Foster was not able to return from an ACL and LCL injury suffered in 2019, and Kevin Pierre-Louis has been out the past three weeks with an ankle injury.
Defensive Lineman - Matthew Ionnadis is a key interior presence in Washington’s defense, but he tore his biceps in Week 3 and has beens out ever since. The team has surely missed his interior pass rush and run stuffing acumen, and he will be out until 2021.
Chase Young has had a good rookie campaign after being selected in the top of the 2020 Draft, but he did miss Week 4 with a groin injury. He has put it behind him and has started ever since returning to the field, and has been a key pass rusher along with Montez Sweat and Ryan Kerrigan.
Cornerbacks - Kendall Fuller missed the first two games of the season with a knee issue, but has played out the rest of the year and is entrenched as the team’s starting corner opposite Ronald Darby.
Safeties - Washington has lost both of their starting safeties in Landon Collins and Deshazor Everett this year. Landon Collins tore his Achilles in Week 7, while Everett was placed on injured reserve with a torn pectoral in Week 15. They are moving forward with Kamren Curl, Jeremy Reaves and Troy Apke, but missing their starters is a hindrance on the back end.
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