ASHBURN, Va. -- The Washington Redskins' starting lineup, especially on defense, continues to have health issues.
Safety Ryan Clark (ankle), linebacker Perry Riley (knee) quarterback Robert Griffin III (ankle), left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) and corner David Amerson (concussion) were limited in practice Thursday. Linebacker Akeem Jordan (knee) and corner Tracy Porter (hamstring) did not practice. Nose tackle Barry Cofield worked off to the side for a second consecutive day with the trainers.
Griffin threw more accurately than he did Wednesday, his first time back in individual work. During the open portion of practice, Griffin threw to the backs against the linebackers (he showed good touch on a pass to fullback Darrel Young over linebacker Will Compton).
Redskins coach Jay Gruden said it will be a close call for Riley this week. “You can tell he is not still 100 percent yet, and he plays with such speed, he needs that full strength to get moving,” Gruden said.
If Riley can’t play, Compton would make his second consecutive start.
“He’s really reliable,” Redskins defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said. “He doesn’t make too many mistakes. He understands the game. You don’t worry about 'Comp' messing up. He’ll do the right thing all the time. He was nervous early, but he settled down and played well, especially in the second half.”
Meanwhile, both receiver Leonard Hankerson and Stephen Bowen continued to practice. Gruden and Haslett said Bowen could be ready to play soon. They want Hankerson to build up more stamina, Gruden said, so it could be a week or two before he’s ready to play.