Kory

Lichtensteiger

Lichtensteiger started the first five games last season before tearing his right ACL and MCL. The right of first refusal tender will keep the former fourth-round draft pick safe from “predator” teams. As an interior offensive lineman, Lichtensteiger has a better chance at a quick recovery than a running back or receiver might following such a severe knee injury.

The fourth-round tender comes with a $1.26 million salary. Lichtensteiger, returning from November ACL surgery, is expected to be ready for training camp. He may have to hold off competition for his starting job this summer.

Lichtensteiger has been at Redskins Park since early-November reconstructive knee surgery. The team’s Opening Day starter at left guard in 2011, Lichtensteiger will be easy to retain with a low restricted tender. He’ll have to compete to retain the job, probably with Maurice Hurt and an offseason addition.

Lichtensteiger will head into restricted free agency with a lot to prove. Doctors repaired the ACL, MCL and medial and lateral meniscus in his right knee. The earliest he’ll be back to full strength is training camp.

Lichtensteiger tore his ACL, MCL and meniscus in mid-October. But for interior linemen, it’s not a crippling injury. Lichtensteiger is penciled in as the starter.

Lichtensteiger blew out his knee in the fifth game last season, and the Skins went 2-10 thereafter. He worked with the first-team offense in Friday’s practice.

Lichtensteiger has been taking part in individual and positional drills at OTAs, and he expects to be ready for the start of training camp. Coming off the injury, he could face competition for his starting job this summer.

“It feels better than any other surgery I’ve ever had. I guess that means it’s nice and minor. I feel like everything is going good.” Lichtensteiger said. “The prognosis is good. They expect me to be back out. That’s the encouraging thing for me.” Maurice Hurt is filling in at left guard in Lichtensteiger’s absence, and very well could find himself there in Week 1.

Color us skeptical. Lichtensteiger absolutely shredded his knee last season, tearing his ACL and MCL while suffering meniscus damage. Coach Mike Shanahan claimed his MRI revealed no ACL or MCL damage, however. Regardless, Lichtensteiger is now in real danger of missing Week 1. The Redskins may be forced to turn to 2011 seventh-rounder Maurice Hurt at left guard. Washington should be in the market for a guard.

“I don’t know for sure, but definitely by (the) regular season,” Lichtensteiger said. “They’re just going to see how I feel and go by that. That’s what I’m trying to do. It feels good right now.” Lichtensteiger won’t play in the preseason. Maurice Hurt will start at left guard if Lichtensteiger isn’t ready for Week 1.