Redskins rule four out for Thanksgiving game vs. New York

The Redskins’ roster is already mangled by injuries, and today’s developments aren’t making it any better.

The Redskins have fifteen players on injured reserve, and a whole lot more are battling through personal ailments as we speak. Coming off a very tough loss against the New Orleans Saints, Washington has a short week to prepare for their next game, in which they’ll play the New York Giants on Thanksgiving. Already, they’ve ruled out three players, and there may be more to come.

The biggest name on the list, by far, is Montae Nicholson. The rookie out of Michigan State has starred on Washington’s defense when healthy. He’s been a clear upgrade over DeAngelo Hall, who has shown he might be too old to be a consistent contributor. With him out, the Redskins will lack valuable speed and playmaking ability at the back end.

Also out will be backup center Chase Roullier, as well as backup defensive lineman Terrell McClain. Notice I said ‘backup’ for each one. The Redskins are down to their third strings, and even fourth strings, at some positions. Injuries have hit this team harder than anyone else in the league, and on Sunday, it won’t get any easier.

With Shawn Lauvao now on injured reserve, and Chase Roullier out for Thursday’s game, Arie Kouandjio and Tony Bergstrom will start at the left guard and center positions, respectively. Kouandjio will make his second start of the season. His first start came in the Redskins’ road win against Seattle in Week 9, and in that game, he played incredibly well. He may be an upgrade over Lauvao, but Bergstrom will not provide such an impact. The veteran hasn’t played considerable snaps yet with Washington, and now, due to the injuries, he’ll be thrown into the fire earlier than expected. Jordan Reed will also be out. Again. Who expected that?

Next: 5 matchups to watch in the Redskins vs. Giants game

On top of these four inactives, the Redskins have several more players who will be game time decisions, including Zach Brown and Trent Williams. It remains to be seen how badly the injuries will hurt the Redskins on Thursday against the Giants. It’s a game they can win, even when short-staffed. But it won’t be easy. They’ll have to come to play.