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Redskins Update: Spencer Long looks likely to participate in opener

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 10: Guard Spencer Long #61 of the Washington Redskins walks off the field after being injured against the Green Bay Packers in the second quarter during the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at FedExField on January 10, 2016 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 10: Guard Spencer Long #61 of the Washington Redskins walks off the field after being injured against the Green Bay Packers in the second quarter during the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at FedExField on January 10, 2016 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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Spencer Long has been out a couple of weeks after a meniscus injury. It looks like he is going to be ready for the season opener.

During the preseason, the Washington Redskins dealt with some issues on their offensive line. After struggling int the first couple of games, the unit was able to improve marginally, but they did have a question mark at the center position.

Spencer Long had gone down with a meniscus injury that required minor surgery, and rookie Chase Roullier was the top backup at the position. Roullier was unproven and while he looked good during the preseason, there were questions about how he would handle a starting job.

Now, with just a few days left until the team’s season opener, it looks like Washington going to have their starting center back for Sunday’s game against the Eagles. Long has been practicing this week, and he was limited in Thursday’s practice. It was his third straight day working, and that bodes well for his availability.

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It’s safe to say that this will be huge for the Redskins. Long is a versatile, veteran presence who will give the team some piece of mind. Not only will Long assume the starting role, but in the event of an injury to one of the guards, it will prevent the Redskins from having to plug in an unproven player at the position.

Without Long, the top backup interior lineman would have been either Tyler Catalina or T.J. Clemmings. Catalina is inexperienced while Clemmings was just claimed off waivers this week. The team could have opted to try and play Ty Nsekhe on the interior as well but it’s not clear if that would have worked for the career tackle.

Beyond the peace of mind Long provides, he also will give Kirk Cousins his normal starting center as the Redskins try to start the season on the right foot. The Eagles are a tough matchup, and the team needs to be the best they can be in order to compete. Having Long will give them their top starting line combination which will help.

Next: 5 Redskins to watch in NFL Week 1 vs. Eagles

Overall, this is great news for the Redskins. They appear to be close to 100 percent as the season rapidly approaches. We will keep you updated on Long’s status as Sunday draws nearer.

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