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Redskins vs. Falcons: 5 players to watch in Week 9

By Jacob Camenker

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 09: Tight end Jordan Reed #86 of the Washington Redskins reacts after scoring a four-yard touchdown during the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 09: Tight end Jordan Reed #86 of the Washington Redskins reacts after scoring a four-yard touchdown during the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 10: Tackle Ty Nsekhe #79 of the Washington Redskins sits on the bench during the second half of a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 10, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 10: Tackle Ty Nsekhe #79 of the Washington Redskins sits on the bench during the second half of a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 10, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

It’s seeming possible — if not, probable — that Trent Williams may need to miss some time after suffering a thumb injury against the Giants. Williams, the venerable left tackle for the Redskins, is one of the best players at his position in the entire league. Injuries and a four-game suspension have kept him off the field in recent seasons, but he’s one of the toughest players in the league.

That said, the Redskins aren’t going to want to rush him back from injury. With the team already having had their bye week, there isn’t a lot of logical times for him to get rest. If his thumb proves to be troublesome, he could be out of action until it heals up. And that would open up a spot in the starting lineup.

Thankfully, the Redskins have solid depth at left tackle. Ty Nsekhe would be the next man up, and he has fared well at the position in the past.

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When Williams missed four games with a suspension in 2016, Nsekhe stepped in and barely missed a beat. In fact, he was so good that some fans called for the team to move Williams to guard and keep playing Nsekhe, so they could have their best combination of offensive linemen on the field.

Last season was a bit more of a struggle for Nsekhe, as he had injury issues of his own and just regressed a bit on the field. Still, his natural position is left tackle and he has performed well there, so he should be a viable replacement if Williams can’t play.

It will be interesting to see if Williams can get on the field. But if he can’t, or if he isn’t effective and has to be brought off the field, Nsekhe will get a shot. That makes the swing tackle a man to watch against Atlanta, as his performance could have a big impact on how much time Alex Smith has in the pocket.

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