ASHBURN — Trent Williams and Fred Davis remained in the building at Redskins Park on Monday, performing business as usual. They watched film, worked out and then headed home to an uncertain future. The Redskins haven’t officially heard that they will be suspended. They also know it’s a matter of time.
Coach Mike Shanahan said he hasn’t talked to the NFL about the four-game suspensions that both Davis and Williams reportedly will serve for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Both failed at least three drug tests, according to multiple reports. Shanahan said he hasn’t spoken with Williams or Davis about the situation.
“There is a strict confidential protocol between the NFL and the players association, and I have not talked or spoke with the NFL thus far,” Shanahan said. “Until I do, there is not really anything I can say at this point.”
| Notes |
| » Rookie Willie Smith, an undrafted free agent who last played in the preseason, spent the first 11 games working his body into one fit for the NFL. He said he got stronger, lost fat and gained muscle mass. “I did everything I could do,” Smith said. Now he — or veteran Sean Locklear — might be needed on the field with left tackle Trent Williams likely suspended for the rest of the season. Smith said he has been helped going against linebackers Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan in practice. Smith said Orakpo’s speed has forced him to stay more balanced. “If I can block those guys, the game is easier,” Smith said. |
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| Coach Mike Shanahan said he’s not sure yet whether strong safety LaRon Landry will return for Sunday’s game vs. the New England Patriots. Landry missed the Jets game with a sore groin. Also, Shanahan said fullback Darrel Young (concussion) felt “pretty good” Monday. Punter Sav Rocca walked around Monday with a boot on his sore left ankle. |
Davis, a tight end, leads the Redskins with 59 catches for 796 yards and three touchdowns. He’s also an unrestricted free agent after the season. If he is suspended, the problem for any team signing him is that one more positive drug test would result in a yearlong suspension.
“He’s more than a pass threat,” running back Roy Helu said. “He’s physical and strong on the edge. It’s a loss.”
Williams, a left tackle and the fourth overall pick in the 2010 draft, has become the best player on the Redskins’ line.
Their teammates know the talent they’re losing.
“I wouldn’t call it anger, but it’s disappointing,” said Lorenzo Alexander, a linebacker and one of their captains. “Everyone is aware of the rules and how the NFL carries the drug policy, and more than just yourself is at risk if you happen to get caught, especially those two guys who play intricate roles on whether we win or lose games.”
Shanahan has emphasized the character of the team a number of times this season. It’s clear he wants a certain type of player.
“You can get to the playoffs with a lot of talented players,” he said. “To win a Super Bowl, you have to have character. That’s how you separate yourself once you get to the playoffs, with that type of team.
“We are always looking for not only the great athletes but great character. Some people will make mistakes — we understand that along the way. That doesn’t mean we are just going to drop somebody because they make a mistake, but we are going to make sure they are made of the right stuff, and we will adhere to that.”
Alexander joked that this is just “something else adding to the Redskins’ drama.” Indeed, this is the third straight December the Redskins have dealt with unusual circumstances, from Vinny Cerrato’s firing and Jim Zorn’s lame duck status in 2009 to Albert Haynesworth’s suspension and Donovan McNabb’s benching in 2010.
But Alexander said he would like to see both Davis and Williams return.
“They’re both great guys,” Alexander said. “This will create a different perception of them off the field. I know these guys intimately. Both guys I love dearly. They’re great teammates and bust their butts every time they’re on the field.”
