Linebacker Ryan Kerrigan has been the Redskins’ ironman since being drafted by Washington in 2011, starting every game. But that streak could be on the line in Sunday’s season finale against the New York Giants after Kerrigan sat out practice Thursday with a sore calf.
“[Kerrigan’s calf] was sore today so we chose to hold him out hoping to make sure we don’t … aggravate it more than it is already,” coach Jon Gruden told reporters Thursday. “The hope is we get him ready for Sunday.”
In the Redskins’ first 15 games, Kerrigan racked up a team-leading 11 sacks, along with 32 unassisted tackles and an interception, earning his third career Pro Bowl nod. This is the third season in his career the Purdue product has reached double-digit sacks.
Additionally, Kerrigan had one of his most productive games of the season in Washington’s 20-10 victory over New York in Week 12, posting two sacks and five tackles (two assisted). But with his calf unexpectedly ailing, someone like Junior Galette could replace Kerrigan in the starting lineup in the New Year’s Eve rematch against the Giants.
After practice, defensive coordinator Greg Manusky highlighted Kerrigan’s durability.
“I mean, that’s huge, especially when you’re even going into the NFL draft with guys that are playing for 16, 17 weeks of course, 18, 19,” Manusky said. “You need those guys, and to trust on Ryan that he’s going to play, I mean, he’s going to do everything he can.”
“Overall, for what he’s done from playing for such a long time, even last year with his elbow — two times, he actually hurt it — it’s just great to have those guys and you know you can always rely on them.”
Gruden echoed Manusky’s sentiments regarding the seven-year veteran’s durability, though he seemed a little leery of talking too much about Kerrigan’s ability to play through injury.
“Let’s not jinx anybody up here. He’s just been very durable, reliable and productive. Those three adjectives are hard to come by nowadays and we are fortunate to have him.”
• Josh Luckenbaugh can be reached at jluckenbaugh@washingtontimes.com.
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