Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Former Washington Redskins linebacker LaVar Arrington finally went home yesterday, two weeks after he was badly injured in a motorcycle accident.

Arrington, who turned 29 during his stay at Prince George’s Hospital Center, sustained a broken right forearm and wrist, a torn tendon and deep cuts on his arms and legs June 18 when he lost control of his motorcycle on the ramp from Route 50 to the Capital Beltway.

“I’m glad that LaVar was able to go home today,” said Rosalyn Pugh, his attorney. “He should make a full recovery. We’re looking forward to his new business ventures.”

The three-time Pro Bowl selection plans to open a sports bar in September not far from the accident site. The second choice in the 2000 NFL Draft, Arrington was cut by the Redskins in February 2006 following two tempestuous and injury-hampered seasons. He was released by the New York Giants in February after an injury-curtailed 2006 season, putting his career in jeopardy even before the accident.

Ecker getting four-year deal

The Redskins and tight end Tyler Ecker agreed on a four-year, $1.723 million contract, making him the first of the club’s draft picks to come to terms.

The deal for Ecker, a seventh-round selection, is noteworthy because the Redskins traditionally have given their second-day picks three-year contracts. A longer deal prevents players from becoming restricted free agents after three seasons but also gives them larger signing bonuses, the only part of the contracts that are guaranteed.

Ecker will count $300,000 against the salary cap. His contract leaves the Redskins $3.1 million in their rookie pool to sign first-round pick LaRon Landry, who will take the bulk of that money, linebackers Dallas Sartz (fifth round) and H.B. Blades and quarterback Jordan Palmer (both sixth).

The 25-year-old Ecker, who interrupted his injury-riddled University of Michigan career to serve a two-year Mormon mission in Texas, caught 57 passes for six touchdowns for the Wolverines.

Chris Cooley should start for a fourth straight season at tight end. Veteran Todd Yoder figures to remain the blocking tight end, leaving the 6-foot-6, 248-pound Ecker to compete with Eric Edwards, the Arizona Cardinals’ starter in 2005, and Brian Bell, a rookie free agent from Kent State, for a roster spot.

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