ASHBURN, Va. — On Wednesday, Washington Redskins coach Jay Gruden said left tackle Trent Williams was “out, that’s for sure” for Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans.
As it turns out, he spoke too soon.
Williams made a surprise return to practice Friday and was upgraded to questionable. The 30-year-old had surgery to repair a dislocated right thumb two weeks ago and was originally expected to miss a month.
Williams said he still can’t grab with his right hand, but added he wants to play.
“If you’re familiar with the surgery, surgery is generally an eight-week recovery,” Williams said. “They came along with new medical things that can you get back quicker to cut that in half. So I’m trying to cut that in half.”
The six-time Pro Bowler has missed the last two games with the injury.
Coach Jay Gruden said Williams participated in mostly individual drills, though was able to do some team reps.
“He saw a doctor and the doctor felt like he was making really good progress,” Gruden said. “It’s all dependent on the cast and whether or not if he can have any gripping with that cast on and how that thumb feels.”
If Williams is available, that would obviously be a boost for the Redskins. While backup Ty Nsekhe has done a serviceable job in his place, Washington will face a strong Texans defensive line that features stars J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney.
Williams said his status for Sunday’s match is still “up in the air.”
“I wanted to test it, man,” Williams said. “They told me it’s a little soon, but I had to go out there and give it a shot.”
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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