- The Washington Times - Monday, September 24, 2012

It took three quarters Sunday for the Washington Redskins’ offense to move the ball effectively without Trent Williams. The left tackle’s injury looked bad as his right knee gave out on him early and later when he returned, and he essentially was blocking on one leg.

Williams is considered day to day with a bone bruise, coach Mike Shanahan said Monday. Williams’ status for Sunday’s game at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was not immediately certain, though the Redskins know how important he is.

“Trent’s an incredible player, so we certainly miss him when he’s not out there,” right tackle Tyler Polumbus said. “[But] we’ve got a lot of great guys on this team. We’ve got a lot of competition, a lot of depth at all spots.”

If Williams can’t go at Tampa Bay, either Jordan Black or Maurice Hurt could start at left tackle. Black replaced Williams in the 38-31 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals and conceded it was difficult to come in cold.

Black could get reps with the first team or at least split them with Williams if there’s uncertainty as the week goes on.

“If I’m going to be the guy at left tackle this week, it’s easier to go into a game knowing you’re a starter than go into a game watching on the sideline,” Black said. “As far as that goes, getting a week of practice preparing for an opponent will be a help.”

Given that Polumbus already is filling in for Jammal Brown on the right side, the Redskins would like to keep some continuity on the offensive line. But they’re used to it.

“It’s tough. Unfortunately you’ve got to do it midgame sometimes, like this week the beginning of the game,” left guard Kory Lichtensteiger said. “You rely on the people that are backing up the spots, and we have some capable backups.”

Extra points

• Running back Evan Royster (right patellar tendon strain) and cornerback Cedric Griffin (hamstring) are day-to-day and running back Roy Helu Jr. is dealing with a sprained toe, Shanahan said.

• Josh Wilson’s fumble recovery Sunday was blown dead but Shanahan believed the play should have been allowed to continue, which would have resulted in a touchdown. “Those are the things that always disappoint you,” the coach said.

• Wide receiver Pierre Garcon (right foot) and safety Brandon Meriweather (left knee) will try to practice Wednesday.

• Stephen Whyno can be reached at swhyno@washingtontimes.com.

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