Redskins left tackle Trent Williams is questionable for Sunday’s game at Tampa Bay, though he still appears hobbled. He was limited in practice.
But safety Brandon Meriweather is expected to play for the first time Sunday; the Redskins hope he can provide a boost for a struggling secondary.
Receiver Pierre Garcon (foot) and receiver Brandon Banks (hip) are questionable while running back Evan Royster (knee) and receiver Leonard Hankerson (back) are probable. Corner Cedric Griffin (hamstring) is out.
Williams would be a big loss and it’s tough to see how he could play.
“I did what I could, man,” Williams said of practice. “Did more than yesterday. That’s always a good sign…. If [the game] was today, I don’t know, it would be tough.”
It’s uncertain if Meriweather will start in place of DeJon Gomes at strong safety, but he will play. Meriweather was working with the starting defense all spring and summer until he hurt his knee the week of the season opener.
“I’m ecstatic,” he said. “I love to play the game. Anytime I get to go out and actually play in a real game…I can bring doing my job. I can bring a lot, man. I’m good at disguising. I’m patient. I can do all the little things.”
Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said, “He’s not 100 percent, but he wants to get out there and play. He’s had a good week of practice. … He plays with a lot of confidence.”
Banks, who said he hurt his hip during the week, said he hopes to play. Shanahan said Banks hurt it during the Bengals’ game, though Banks said it was during the week. Regardless, Shanahan said, “Each day it felt a little worse.”
