Scoring points is one thing. Winning games is another.
Kai Forbath made a 26-yard field goal with 10 seconds remaining, handing the Washington Redskins a 27-24 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday.
It was Forbath’s third game-winner this season and fourth in parts of three seasons with the Redskins. He previously made a field goal at the end of regulation to beat Tennessee and one in overtime to top Dallas.
“That’s what I kind of do this for — moments like that,” Forbath said. “It’s a lot of fun. I score points when I can for the team, but those chances that you get to win it for them, that really makes it special.”
Forbath, who also made a 25-yard field goal in the first quarter, has made 23 of his 26 field goal attempts this season. The two conversions helped him maintain what is one game away from being the highest field-goal percentage in team history.
“I kind of forgot what it felt like,” Forbath said of the game-winner. “But to get one at the end of the season like this, when we’ve been having quite a bit of a losing streak, it feels great. I mean, I haven’t seen guys smile and laugh like this in a long time. Just glad that I could help in getting those smiles.”
Williams plays through shoulder injury
Left tackle Trent Williams left the game for five plays in the fourth quarter after aggravating his sprained right shoulder. Williams, who sprained the shoulder in the loss to the New York Giants on Dec. 14, was considered questionable to play after sitting out of practice on Wednesday.
“I was in a lot of pain. I honestly thought my day was over,” Williams said. “The doctors did a great job of helping the pain kind of subside a little bit. In those few seconds, kind of massage it, rub some stuff on there. [The pain] started to go down, so I was like man, let me go back in there.”
Coach Jay Gruden said he did not push Williams to return to the game. Rather, Williams stayed in the game by choice, even though it went against the advice of offensive line coach Chris Foerster.
“I competed for three quarters, looked like crap for three quarters. So I guess four wouldn’t hurt me,” Williams said. “We’re right on the cusp of a big win. I don’t want to quit on my guys.”
Outside linebacker Trent Murphy broke the third metacarpal in his right hand on the Eagles’ second drive of the game and said afterward he’ll need to undergo additional examinations Sunday. It’s possible he could miss the finale against Dallas on Dec. 28.
Center Kory Lichtensteiger left the game for two plays in the fourth quarter after experiencing a stinger, but returned. So, too, did defensive end Kedric Golston, who sprained the acromioclavicular joint in one of his shoulders, and free safety Ryan Clark, who sprained one of his ankles.
Morris eclipses 1,000 yards
With 83 rushing yards on 21 carries in Saturday’s win, running back Alfred Morris eclipsed 1,000 yards for a third consecutive season. Morris is just the second player in franchise history to achieve such a feat, joining Stephen Davis, who recorded 1,000-yard seasons from 1999-2001.
“It’s kudos to the O-linemen. No running back can do that without blockers in front of him,” Morris said. “Not just the O-linemen, but the tight ends and the wide receivers as well. So I mean I guess it’s an awesome accomplishment and I’m thankful to do it, but it’s bittersweet. I’d trade all that for some better records, some postseason play. But I am thankful, not to discredit what was able to be done.”
Morris averaged 4.0 yards per carry Saturday, highlighted by a bruising 28-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. The Redskins improved to 12-7 in games in which Morris records 20 rushes or more.
“Alfred is steady Eddy with us,” Gruden said. “Number one, he needs to continue with the ball protection and he did that today, of course. He went over 1,000 yards today. Credit him and the offensive line and the tight ends and the fullback (Darrel Young). I’m really happy for Alfred and there should be more stories like that. Outside of the football field and on, he is such a great guy — quality act.”
Jeffcoat celebrates first career sack
When Murphy left the game early in the first quarter, it signaled a significant opportunity for rookie outside linebacker Jackson Jeffcoat.
Jeffcoat has spent most of this season shuffling between Washington’s practice squad and active roster, seeing the field only sporadically and usually in special teams packages. So when he got an opportunity to fill in as a starter, he wanted to make the most of it. And he did, bringing down Eagles quarterback Mark Sanchez shortly after entering the game for the first sack of his NFL career.
“I was really excited. That’s for sure,” Jeffcoat said. “I was extremely excited to get out there and play. I was just like, ’Man, if I get my chance, I’m going to go out there and do something.’ And I was able to get a sack.”
Jeffcoat was about to quietly jog off the field after the sack, but Ryan Kerrigan encouraged him to celebrate. So he thought back to a recent conversation with his roommate about what kind of dance he would do. They settled on “The Roosevelt,” a popular move among Jeffcoat’s group of friends in his hometown of Dallas.
“That’s a dance we did in middle school,” Jeffcoat said with a smile. “I just brought it back.”
Robinson, Helu ruled out
Inside linebacker Keenan Robinson, listed as doubtful on the injury report as he recovers from a sprained MCL in his left knee, was inactive and missed his third consecutive game. Robinson injured the knee in the Redskins’ game at Indianapolis on Nov. 30 and was limited in practice all week.
Also sitting out because of injury was running back Roy Helu. He has dealt with turf toe in his left foot for the past two weeks. Helu, injured in the game against St. Louis on Dec. 7, was able to finish a full practice all week.
Wide receiver Leonard Hankerson, left guard Josh LeRibeus and cornerback Kenny Okoro were also inactive for the Redskins. The team had previously ruled out defensive end Jason Hatcher and outside linebacker Gabe Miller on Friday.
Extra points
With a sack and forced fumble in the first quarter, Kerrigan became the first Redskins player since 1991 to record a sack in five consecutive games. … Robert Griffin III’s first pass of the game was the 1,000th of his career, making him the 11th player to reach that milestone with the Redskins. … Niles Paul, Kerrigan and Morris were named captains for Saturday’s game alongside usual captains Williams (offense) and Ryan Clark (defense). … Young scored two rushing touchdowns to give him five this season, a new career-high. … Linebacker Trevardo Williams recorded his first career sack in the second quarter.
• Zac Boyer can be reached at zboyer@washingtontimes.com.
• Tom Schad can be reached at tschad@washingtontimes.com.
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