Washington Commanders center Chase Roullier suffered a knee injury in Sunday’s 36-27 loss to the Detroit Lions, and according to multiple reports, there are concerns that it could cost him his season.
Roullier is reportedly seeking further evaluation, but coach Ron Rivera said Monday that Washington’s starter will likely land on injured reserve. If — when — that happens, Roullier would be required to miss at least the next four games. Should he be placed on the list this week, he wouldn’t be eligible to return until Oct. 23 against the Green Bay Packers.
ESPN reported Roullier may need season-ending surgery to repair the injury. The 29-year-old went down with 1:08 left against the Lions and was seen on crutches in the locker room.
Washington starting center Chase Roullier is in danger of missing the rest of the season due to significance of knee injury, per source. Surgery considered a viable option but second opinion coming. As @john_keim noted, short-term IR at minimum.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 19, 2022
If he is done for the year, it would be another premature ending to a season for Roullier. Last year, Roullier suffered a broken leg and significant ankle injury in Week 8 against the Denver Broncos.
Since being drafted in 2017, the former sixth-rounder has started 63 games for Washington. He signed a four-year, $40.5 million contract extension in January 2021.
Without Roullier, Washington will likely turn to Wes Schweitzer at center — if Schweitzer is healthy. The veteran missed Week 2 with a hamstring injury after starting Week 1 at right guard. Schweitzer started five games last season, two of which came at center.
Rivera said Wes Martin, who was elevated from the practice squad for the Lions game, would be Schweitzer’s backup and guard Saahdiq Charles would be the emergency center. The team also has Jon Toth on the practice squad and Tyler Larsen on the physically unable to perform list.
Larsen is recovering from a torn Achilles and isn’t eligible to return until Week 5.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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