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Mason Foster Update: Linebacker limited in practice for second straight day

By Jacob Camenker

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 11: Zach Ertz #86 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs with the ball against Mason Foster #54 of the Washington Redskins in the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 11, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 11: Zach Ertz #86 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs with the ball against Mason Foster #54 of the Washington Redskins in the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 11, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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On Wednesday morning, it appeared that Mason Foster may miss the team’s Week 3 matchup with the Raiders. Now, it looks like he may be ready to go after all.

On Wednesday, reports surfaced that Mason Foster would possibly have to miss some time for the Washington Redskins. It was being reported that he had dislocated his shoulder against the Los Angeles Rams and that he would potentially be out for Week 3 against the Raiders.

However, as time went on, it seemed that Foster’s injury was being slightly overblown. He did indeed seek a second opinion, but it’s unclear what the opinion stated. It didn’t keep Foster from hitting the field on Wednesday. He was limited in practice on Wednesday afternoon, but by all accounts, he looked fairly healthy.

Notably, Rich Tandler of CSN reported that Foster was looking good at practice and he was working with the sled. Here’s exactly what Tandler said about Foster.

This was a highly encouraging development for the team, but still, it would be important for Foster to hit the field on Thursday to be considered likely to suit up Sunday. According to sources, Foster logged a limited practice again on Thursday, per Mike Jones of the Washington Post, and that means that Foster will likely suit up for the team on Sunday. This is good news for the Redskins.

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If Foster can play, he and Zach Brown can continue to be a formidable duo against the run. Brown and Foster have been very good as three down backers, though Foster has had some minor issues in coverage. Without Foster, the team would have been forced to start Will Compton, who is a great leader and fine in coverage, but he struggles against the run. Compton would have had trouble slowing down Marshawn Lynch, so keeping him in a backup role is definitely a good option.

Of course, it wouldn’t hurt to mix Compton in during more obvious passing situations on Sunday. Foster is still dealing with a shoulder malady, even if it isn’t as serious as initially anticipated, so having him take some snaps off is not a bad idea. Compton is more than capable of handling a role in the passing game, and that would help take some pressure off Foster. It would only be until Foster was ready to return to a three down role anyway, which likely wouldn’t take a long time.

Next: Redskins to watch in NFL Week 3 vs. Raiders

Overall, this is just a situation to monitor. If Foster is ready to go, he should play a majority of snaps. But the Redskins have to make sure that Compton is ready to go in case Foster can’t play in a full-time role on Sunday. If that happens, then the team’s front seven will still be in good shape as Oakland comes to Washington to face them.

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