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Washington Redskins guard Arie Kouandjio officially out for 2018

By Ian Cummings

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 29: Offensive guard Arie Kouandjio (74) of the Washington Redskins walks on to the field prior to the start of a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 29, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/ Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 29: Offensive guard Arie Kouandjio (74) of the Washington Redskins walks on to the field prior to the start of a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 29, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/ Getty Images) /
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The Washington Redskins got thinner at left guard today.

Earlier in the offseason, it was reported that Arie Kouandjio, a starting candidate for the Washington Redskins’ left guard position, had suffered a partially torn quad tendon in offseason drills.

At first, it was reported that Kouandjio would be lost for the 2018 season, but soon after, there was hope that surgery could salvage the injury and help Kouandjio return at an earlier day. His surgery was successful, but the outlook on his injury is still grim. He has officially been ruled out for the 2018 regular season.

According to ESPN’s John Keim, Kouandjio will be out for six to eight months, with his earliest return date sitting at late November or early December. By then, well over half the season would already be over for the Washington Redskins. The most logical choice is to free up Kouandjio’s roster spot for another player, and help Kouandjio get an early start on his recovery for the 2019 season.

While Kouandjio has never able to achieve consistency in regular season action with the Washington Redskins, his loss is a notable one. He was rumored to be showing improvement, and even if he failed to win the starting job, he’d provide depth at an important position.

Now, the pool of competitors at left guard is one number smaller. When August comes around, the Washington Redskins could be forced to once again start Shawn Lauvao, a veteran who, although he has experience and is a familiar face, has never been a high-level starter with the Washington Redskins.

Next: Redskins should be interested in LG Richie Incognito

Although the Washington Redskins may have confidence in their in-house options, now that they know their depth on the interior is due to take a hit, it couldn’t hurt to sign a free agent later in the offseason. One option that recently opened up is former Bills’ veteran Richie Incognito. Among other options, Incognito could be an enticing option for the Washington Redskins as a high-level stopgap in 2018. Click the link above to see why!

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