Center Kory Lichtensteiger set to return to practice this week

ASHBURN — When Washington Redskins center Kory Lichtensteiger was placed on injured reserve with a designation to return in November, his season was presumably over.

Lichtensteiger missed three games because of a disc-related issue that caused weakness in his left shoulder. On Nov. 10, following the Redskins’ Week 9 loss to the New England Patriots, Lichtensteiger was shelved. The designation required Lichtensteiger to be out eight weeks and at least six weeks of practice, meaning he would not be eligible to return to a game unless the Redskins made the playoffs.

At that time, the Redskins were 3-5 and making the playoffs was hardly certain. Now, Washington is in position to clinch the NFC East with a win on Saturday against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Coach Jay Gruden said on Monday the hope is that Lichtensteiger will be healthy enough to return to practice this week, giving the veteran center roughly three weeks to get ready for a possible return.

For the last few weeks, Lichtensteiger has been doing conditioning on a side field during practices.

Josh LeRibeus took over as the starting center once Lichtensteiger was injured. LeRibeus, who converted to the position from left guard in training camp, has had issues with the accuracy of his snaps, but the Redskins have stuck with him. They also signed veteran Brian de la Puente the same day they placed Lichtensteiger on IR, but he has only played a handful of snaps at the end of games.

Redskins add tight end Jensen

The Redskins signed tight end Marcel Jensen to the 53-man roster on Tuesday, filling the vacancy after wide receiver Andre Roberts was placed on injured reserve.

Roberts is expected to undergo surgery to repair the meniscus in one of his knees. Jensen, 25, was a member of the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad. He signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent last year and also spent time on the Denver Broncos and Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad.