Path: bloom-picayune.mit.edu!snorkelwacker.mit.edu!americast.com!americast.com!americast-post Newsgroups: americast.twt.sports From: americast-post@AmeriCast.Com Organization: American Cybercasting Approved: americast-post@AmeriCast.com Subject: Redskins forced to patch LB holes Date: Thu, 29 Oct 92 14:38:17 EST Message-ID: \SE D;SPORTS \HD Redskins forced to patch LB holes \BY Dave Fay \CR THE WASHINGTON TIMES If it literally weren't such a painful and serious situation yesterday at Redskin Park, it actually might have been comical. While the Washington Redskins' public relations staff was trying to round up reporters to interview a new linebacker, defensive coordinator Larry Peccatiello was explaining how one veteran became lost for the season and saying that the team may have to start a guy this week who was unemployed a month ago. Meanwhile, starting linebackers Wilber Marshall and Andre Collins were trudging off the field before practice and being replaced by players with unrecognizable faces. In other words, the linebacking corps has become this week's offensive line. The Redskins announced yesterday that six-year veteran Ravin Caldwell had undergone major reconstructive knee surgery in Birmingham, Ala., and is lost for the season. It is hoped that he will be ready for training camp next July. The Redskins also introduced their newest player, nine-year Houston Oilers linebacker Johnny Meads, who was cut by the Oilers on Sept. 29 when they signed free-agent wide receiver Webster Slaughter. Because Meads is unfamiliar with the Redskins' system, it is not known whether he will see action Sunday night against the New York Giants. Marshall is sidelined with a sprained knee, and Collins has been out since the fourth play of last Sunday's game in Minnesota with back spasms. Marshall left little doubt that he would play Sunday. Collins said he hopes to. If Collins can't make it, his right outside spot will be taken by Monte Coleman, who turns 35 on Wednesday. Coleman himself is recovering from being cold-cocked during the Vikings game when his chin met running back Roger Craig's knee. And if both Collins and Coleman can't start? "Tony Barker," Peccatiello replied confidently. Barker was among the last preseason cuts and had returned to school before being brought back a month ago. The odds on Barker starting are "not high at all," Peccatiello said. "Monte will be in there. Andre's doubtful; he's making good progress and really it wouldn't surprise me if he's capable of playing." But Peccatiello didn't seem hesitant to start Barker. "He's on our 47-man roster, so we have confidence in him," the coach said. "If he's called on to play, it's his chance to excel. He's been in Carlisle, and he's been in some scrimmages. I mean, what else can you do? You've got to go with whatever options you have." Caldwell began camp as the starting middle linebacker but injured a knee and moved back outside. He tried to play through it but was placed on injured reserve Oct. 8. Rehabilitation didn't work, so Dr. James Andrews, the Birmingham knee specialist, operated Tuesday. Meads should be able to fit in perfectly. He's healthy, experienced, a good pass rusher from the outside, excels on special teams and was hungry after being out of work for a month. "I feel when you're looking for a linebacker at this time of the season, you're very fortunate to get a guy like Johnny Meads," Peccatiello said. "I remember looking at him when he was in college and we thought he was real good. I thought he played real well against us in that fiasco in the Astrodome four years ago [when the Oilers won 41-17]." Meads, who had started 92 straight non-strike games for the Oilers, was beaten out by a younger player after four games. He had seven tackles and one fumble recovery for a touchdown this season. Coleman, who filled in for Collins against the Vikings, was named defensive player of the game with 11 tackles despite receiving what was first described as a concussion. "I wanted to go back in because I wanted to contribute," he said. "It wasn't a decision the coaches made or the doctors made. I went over to them and asked if I could go back in." Coleman practiced yesterday, as did Barker. ***** REDSKINS VS. GIANTS Sunday, 8 p.m., RFK Stadium, Ch. 7, TNT cable, AM-570, AM-1090, FM-103.5, Redskins favored by 10 1/2 This article is copyright 1992 The Washington Times. Redistribution to other sites is not permitted except by arrangement with American Cybercasting Corporation. For more information, send-email to usa@AmeriCast.COM