ASHBURN — Washington Redskins inside linebacker Perry Riley will be out three to six weeks after breaking the fifth metatarsal in his right foot. Riley sustained the injury during Thursday’s practice and was optimistic it was not serious. However, an MRI exam revealed the break, which will require surgery.
Riley was playing well in the last three games. He recorded 21 tackles, along with three pass deflections and two interceptions.
“The last two weeks he has been outstanding for us and played with a lot of confidence,” coach Jay Gruden said. “It’s a big loss.”
The Redskins were already shorthanded at inside linebacker because of Keenan Robinson’s unspecified shoulder injuries. Robinson has been inactive the last three games and remained limited in practice on Thursday and Friday.
Without Riley, the Redskins will continue to count on Will Compton, who solidified a starting role three weeks ago, whether Robinson was playing or not. If Robinson is unable to play on Monday night against the Dallas Cowboys, Gruden said Mason Foster will start.
Foster was signed on Sept. 29 when Riley was dealing with a calf injury that kept him out for two games. The Chicago Bears released Foster, who previously played four seasons in Tampa Bay, at the end of the preseason. He tallied 343 tackles in 57 games with the Buccaneers, but has mostly played special teams for the Redskins.
“I think Mason has done a good job in the time he’s been here,” Gruden said. “He hasn’t had a lot of reps on game day, but out in practice he’s had a lot of reps. He knows the defense, he’s a veteran guy and a physical guy and I think he’ll step in and do fine.”
Though Robinson has increased his workload at practice, Gruden remained uncertain about his status for Monday’s game.
“Keenan hasn’t done a lot of practice,” Gruden said. “He’s been involved a little bit on a limited basis the last few weeks but we’ll have to wait and see how he feels tomorrow and go from there.”
Tight end Derek Carrier, wide receiver Andre Roberts and strong safety Trenton Robinson did not practice on Friday. Free safety Dashon Goldson (wrist/hamstring/knee), defensive end Jason Hatcher (knee), cornerback Quinton Dunbar (finger), cornerback Deshazor Everett (hamstring) and running back Chris Thompson (shoulder) were all limited.
Roberts, out with knee inflammation, did conditioning work on the side with Carrier. Carrier sustained a high left ankle sprain and Achilles’ sprain in last Sunday’s win against the New York Giants. Gruden said Carrier is still “pretty sore” and questionable for Monday’s game. Gruden said if Carrier can’t play, the Redskins will use tight end Je’Ron Hamm as a replacement.
• Anthony Gulizia can be reached at agulizia@washingtontimes.com.
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