In the end, Trent Williams couldn’t find a helmet that fit. That, or the Redskins, got tired of trying to find him one.
Either way, the Redskins placed the seven-time Pro Bowl left tackle on the league’s reserve/non-football injury list Thursday — shutting him down for the rest of the season. The move means it very possible that Williams has played his final game in a Redskins uniform.
Washington had two weeks to activate Williams to the 53-man roster after he ended his months-long holdout last week. Initially, the team was granted a roster exemption for Williams, who failed his physical when he complained of “discomfort” when putting on his helmet. The Redskins were searching for a solution, but ultimately chose to shut down Williams — long before their deadline to make a decision.
By placing him on NFI, the Redskins can withhold Williams’ 2019 salary. The decision also sets up a possible legal fight over whether Williams will get credited for this season, if the Redskins try to argue his contract should “toll,” or carry over to 2020.
Regardless, Washington’s choice is the latest twist in a messy, drama-filled saga between the team and Williams.
Last week, Williams told reporters the surgically-removed growth on his head was actually cancerous and no longer trusted the Redskins over the handling of the issue.
The Redskins responded by requesting a joint-investigation into Williams’ claims by the league and the player’s union, which Williams reportedly will not cooperate with.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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