The Washington Redskins have been hit hard by injuries this season. Just two weeks ago the team had 21 players listed on the injury report and countless others either on IR or just coming off the main list.

When the team traveled to Seattle the week before last, they had to rely on a make-shift offensive line that included four players who were not normal starters. In fact, only Morgan Moses remained from the unit that started this season. Washington responded well that day on the way to a much-needed victory in a tough place to play on the road.

Redskins place two starters on injured reserve

The Redskins received bad news yesterday when doctors informed the team that running back Rob Kelley sprained his left MCL and also suffered a high ankle sprain in Sunday's loss to Minnesota. If that wasn't enough, the team was also informed that inside linebacker Will Compton suffered a Lisfranc sprain Sunday. Both players are going to need multiple weeks to recover and were placed on injured reserve, likely ending their seasons.

Kelley has fought injury issues all season after being looked at as the main guy this offseason in a system that head coach Jay Gruden said was going to run the ball more.

For the season he rushed the ball 62 times for 194 yards and three touchdowns, that's an average of just 3.2 yards per carry, which is not good. Rookie Samaje Perine (also averaging 3.2 yards per carry) will now have to take over for Kelley.

The injury to Compton is frustrating as he was Mason Foster's replacement after Foster had surgery last month.

Now Martrell Spaight will take over at the spot next to Zach Brown. For Spaight, it's yet another chance to take over the starting position. The last two times Spaight has been given an opportunity he's ended up injured himself.

Redskins make other moves

The Redskins made some other roster adjustments Tuesday as the team released defensive lineman Tavaris Barnes from the team's practice squad and signed defensive lineman Caraun Reid to take his spot.

Washington also signed linebacker Otha Peters to the practice squad Monday afternoon.

The Redskins needed a running back for the active roster and signed Byron Marshall from Philadelphia's practice squad. Washington also waived DL Brandon Banks but are expected to re-sign him to the practice squad once he clears waivers.

According to sources, the Redskins are close to signing linebacker Zach Vigil (depending on his ability to pass a physical of course) to replace Compton on the team's 53-man roster.
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