Washington Redskins hopeful to have guard Kory Lichtensteiger back at start of 2012 season –NFL News
Although Washington Redskins guard Kory Lichtensteiger did not play the entire 2011 National Football League (NFL) season, his status in the team can easily be determined by the team’s performance in his presence and absence.
After starting his professional NFL career in 2008 with the Denver Broncos, Lichtensteiger moved to Minnesota Vikings in 2009 before joining the Redskins in 2010.
In the 2010 season, he was brilliant and the team started him in 14 games. In the 2011, he was expected to start all 16 games and was going well on the course of spending the entire season as the starter.
However, he sustained a season-ending surgery in week 6 against the Philadelphia Eagles and was forced out.
The Redskins had started the season well. They won three out of their first four games and lost the fifth in which Lichtensteiger was also injured.
After Lichtensteiger’s departure, the Redskins went on to lose six straight games. Although Lichtensteiger’s absence was not the only reason behind the Redskins’ slump, his presence could have prevented the streak from stretching up to six games.
Lichtensteiger has reportedly recovered from the injury, but is still very cautious while working out as the injury could recur.
According to the details present on the team’s official website, the player is hopeful of attending training camp. During the offseason, he worked out with coaches and trainers, but could not participate actively in organised team activities (OTAs) and minicamp.
However, if the player stays fit, which the team desperately wants, and participates in the training camp without facing any problem, he might get the starting role again.
Redskins’ offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan expects Lichtensteiger to be the starter. He said:
“I expect Kory to come back and to play as good as he was when he left off. I expect him to be our starter."
Shanahan further said of the player:
"He hasn’t been able to do anything at practice yet. I think he could if we absolutely needed him to, but I think he’ll be ready for training camp.”
The offensive coordinator added:
"Knowing Kory, I don’t think he’ll miss a beat.”
Meanwhile, Lichtensteiger has also said that he is feeling fit and hopeful of practising fully by their training camp.
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