Randy

Thomas

Unfortunatley, tackle Mark Wilson (knee) was downgraded to doubtful. The ever-rotation Redskins O-line explains a lot of Clinton Portis’ problems this season.

The Redskins will move Ray Brown inside and start a rookie a tackle. Not the moves you want to heading into a game with Pittsburgh.

He was probably Washington’s best offensive lineman this season. The Redskins are really thin on the right side of their line.

Thomas, Washington’s best interior lineman, is expected to play in the team’s exhibition opener. It’s good news for all Redskins players.

“I’m not 100 percent,” the ‘Skins’ starting guard said. “By the time training camp comes around and we get to go against the Vikings (in Week One), I’ll be ready.”

He’s one of the few free agent signees (from 2003) that have worked out for the Redskins. He’s been a key to Clinton Portis’ recent success.

Good to see he’s rehabbing. Thomas ate a pound of chili, a pound of shrimp scampi, three-quarters of a pound of crab dip plus fried Parmesan and garlic toast, a 13-piece rack of baby back ribs (about 2.5 pounds) and beef brisket (one pound). He washed it down with a gallon of sweet tea.

Thomas, who is recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery, was expected to be ready in time for camp. He will likely be eased into full-contact drills in the next week or so.

The Redskins avoided placing Thomas on season-ending injured reserve because they felt he had a shot at coming back. If he can make it back for December 16 against the Giants, Thomas could play three regular-season games.

Thomas’ status for the rest of the year won’t be determined until surgeons see how significant the tear is. He is Washington’s best run-blocker, and his loss would mean the ‘Skins have lost the entire right side of their O-line for the season.