Redskins reserve lineman Tyler Catalina has surgery, likely out for year

Redskins reserve lineman Tyler Catalina was believed to have a shot at making the final 53-man roster. A recent development puts his chances in jeopardy.

The Washington Redskins have a bit of predicament on their interior offensive line. Behind Shawn Lauvao and Chase Roullier, there are almost no qualified backups to provide insurance in the case of injury.

The team could have invested in greater depth at that position this offseason, but they opted to forgo that alternative, and instead bank on the development of several young players, one of whom being former Georgia lineman Tyler Catalina.

Catalina, with his versatility, was widely regarded as the front runner for the ninth offensive lineman slot, but now, it appears he won’t get a chance to play at all this season. Per D.C. sports reporter Ben Standig, Catalina had his shoulder operated on recently for an unspecified injury.

According to Standig’s initial report, which can be seen below, the surgery likely puts Catalina out for the year. And it opens up a roster spot on the offensive line.

The injury to Catalina brings added intrigue to the team’s interior line competition. With Catalina now gone, it’s anyone’s guess who makes the team as the final lineman. T.J. Clemmings, Demetrius Rhaney, Kyle Kalis, and Isaiah Williams are all options, but none of them would be safe from a late release, once more options are freed up on cut day.

As for the possibility of the Redskins bolstering the unit with a cut day acquisition, the probability is, at the very least, moderate. Doug Williams recently admitted that the team is analyzing all possible options to upgrade at guard, and with the options on the team not inspiring, it would be a shock to see the team add a player off of the waiver wire, and in turn, replace the ninth offensive lineman.

This situation is worth watching moving forward, and unfortunately, Tyler Catalina is no longer a part of the process. He showed flashes last year, and with his size, it was believed that he had potential. Now, we’ll have to wait at least another year to see it.