Stephen Bowen could be activated from the physically-unable-to-perform list by late Saturday afternoon, making him eligible to play for the Washington Redskins on Sunday against Tennessee.
Coach Jay Gruden said Friday the defensive end has practiced well enough during the week to show the coaching staff he could be a factor against the Titans. Bowen, who underwent microfracture surgery on his right knee on Dec. 3, has not played in a game since Week 11 of last season — a Nov. 17 game against Philadelphia.
“Right now, I’m good,” Bowen said. “As much as they want to play me, I’m gonna be good. It all depends on what the coaches want to do. If I was thinking, I don’t think it would be too, too many reps in my first game coming back. But I’m just trying to get my feet wet and get comfortable.”
Bowen was eligible to return to practice for the first time on Wednesday after missing all of training camp, the preseason and the first six games. If he is to play Sunday, the Redskins have until Saturday at 4 p.m. to make a corresponding roster move.
And, if Bowen plays, he would almost assuredly assume a reserve role, playing roughly 20 snaps behind Jarvis Jenkins and Jason Hatcher. Bowen, 30, had a career-high 41 tackles and six sacks in 2011, his first season with the Redskins, but had only 19 tackles in 10 games before being hurt a year ago.
“Just him being there is a lot,” said nose tackle Chris Baker. “He’s so experienced and he knows a lot about the defense and stuff. He’s very trustworthy. When he’s in the game, you never have to worry about someone making a mistake or something. He’s always on his stuff. It’s good to have him back.”
Gruden said wide receiver Leonard Hankerson, who has also been on the PUP list, is “probably another week or two, maybe” away from returning. Hankerson, who tore the ACL and LCL in his left knee in November, will need additional time to practice within the offense before Gruden feels comfortable clearing him.
Cornerback David Amerson completed a full practice on Friday, clearing the final hurdle of the league’s concussion protocol, and should play Sunday against the Titans. He left the first quarter of the Redskins’ loss to Arizona on Oct. 12 and had been limited in practice the previous two days.
“I had my last test [Thursday], and I met with the neuropsychologist,” said Amerson, who was listed as questionable on the injury report. “I mean, everything went well, and I got cleared, so I should be fine.”
The Redskins ruled out quarterback Robert Griffin III (dislocated left ankle), who was limited in practice all three days this week, as well as cornerback Tracy Porter (strained right hamstring) and inside linebacker Akeem Jordan (sprained left knee).
Two other players were listed as questionable for Sunday: Free safety Ryan Clark, who sprained both of his ankles against Seattle, played all but one snap against Arizona and was limited in practice Thursday and Friday; and inside linebacker Perry Riley, who is recovering from a sprained MCL in his left knee, did not play against Arizona and was limited in practice on Friday for the third consecutive day.
Left tackle Trent Williams (dislocated right kneecap), outside linebacker Brian Orakpo (sprained right ankle), fullback Darrel Young (unspecified hamstring injury) and strong safety Trenton Robinson (high left ankle sprain) all completed a full practice and are considered probable for Sunday.
The Titans listed four starters on their injury report, including quarterback Jake Locker, who was limited in practice again on Friday with a bruised right thumb, is considered questionable and, according to Nashville-based reporters, will be a game-time decision on Sunday.
Running back Shonn Greene (unspecified hamstring injury) did not practice all week and is doubtful to play against the Redskins. Defensive end Ropati Pitoitua (unspecified hand injury) also has not practiced all week, but he’s considered questionable to play Sunday. And, strong safety George Wilson (unspecified calf injury) is probable for the game after finishing a full practice on Friday.
• Zac Boyer can be reached at zboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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