ASHBURN — Coach Jay Gruden acknowledged Wednesday that left tackle Trent Williams is frustrated with the Redskins’ medical staff over their handling of a benign tumor on his scalp, but stopped short of confirming a report that the seven-time Pro Bowler wants out from the team.
CBS Sports reported that Williams has demanded a trade or release from the Redskins because of how the medical issue was handled. The report added Williams has “vowed” not to play for Washington again.
“Well, I know he’s frustrated,” Gruden said. “Any time you have something done, the procedure like that of that magnitude, you want to find the reason. You wish something maybe could have been done differently or different timing. But our doctors are very good. I know they did the best they can. I know they have plenty of degrees. I know they did the right thing in their mind.
“I know Trent is probably frustrated, but at the end of the day, we want him back. The staff wants him back. The players want him back. And hopefully, we’ll get it fixed.”
Gruden said he has not spoken with Williams about wanting out, but the two did speak a few days before minicamp started on Tuesday. The 30-year-old has been absent from Washington’s mandatory minicamp — with the initial belief he was upset over his contract.
In the winter, Williams underwent surgery to remove a tumor from his head. The NFL Network reported in April that the Redskins initially feared the issue was serious enough that Williams could miss the entire season, but decided after further evaluation that he would be ready for training camp. Washington and Williams planned to be cautious with his workload as he recovered from the procedure.
Gruden, though, said Wednesday was the first time he had heard of Williams’ frustration with the medical staff “as the reason for him not being here.”
Teammate and close friend Adrian Peterson also disputed the report.
“I talk to Trent all the time and that’s not something I’ve heard come out of his mouth,” Peterson said.
Right tackle Morgan Moses, though, said the offensive line was “100%” behind Williams. Asked about Williams skipping camp because of his frustration with the team’s medical staff, Moses said it was “about time” someone stood up.
“It’s not just a situation here, it happens throughout the league,” Moses said. “To have one of our peers like Trent — a very valued guy on and off the field — stand up like that, it means a lot not just as us as players but the NFL, as well.
“Obviously his scare is one you never want to have, but at the end of the day, you have to take care of yourself.”
Williams has two years left on his contract with cap hits of $14.7 million and $14.6 million in 2019 and 2020, respectively.
If the Redskins were to trade or cut Williams this offseason — and there’s no indication they plan to do so — the move would save $9.2 million in cap space and carry $5.4 million in dead money.
Without Williams, the Redskins have a massive void at left tackle. Backup Geron Christian hasn’t practiced this spring as he recovers from a torn MCL. Washington has played former Giants first-rounder Ereck Flowers at the position at OTAs, even though he was signed to play guard, but he has been a disaster.
Gruden said he does not know when Williams will return, adding he’s only focused on the players who are practicing.
“I know Trent knows how much we need him and want him back,” Gruden said. “That is the only thing I can do from here. As far as what happened between him and the doctors, that is between him and the doctors and hopefully, we get that cleared up soon.”
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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