In Washington’s clear blue sky, dark clouds loom

Posted on July 28, 2012 1 Vote

By Mark Pierce

His Jammalness

Much ado was made during the off season concerning Washington Redskins right tackle Jammal Brown’s hip rehabilitation. He’d added yoga to his workout regimen as a means of breaking up scar tissue, and was reportedly working his way back into shape. Shanahan said during one interview he thought the hip looked better than he’d seen it.

Now comes training camp and the first news we hear is that Brown had been placed on the PUP list, which basically means that he was unable to pass the physical. He’s going to see his personal physician in New York on Tuesday. Not seeing any miracles happening out of that.

Jammal Brown has been considered top of the depth chart at right tackle for the Redskins, but after two injury riddled seasons in which he failed to live up to expectations, it may be time to consider pulling the plug. Brown’s cap number this season is 4.55 million, which is big, but not completely unmanageable if the Redskins decide to move on without him.

The main problem with this rationale is that Tyler Polumbus and Willie Smith are the players in line to replace Brown at right tackle. The best that can be said of this pair is that they have some experience in Shanahan’s system, and that rookie Robert Griffin III will likely have every occasion to showcase his highly touted mobility if one of these guys is playing.

But the Redskins must play the cards they are dealt, and such is life in year three of the rebuild. They must not allow the Jammal Brown situation to drag eternally on, as was the case with Laron Landry and Malcolm Kelly. Do what’s best for the team. Get him healthy enough to pass a physical, then release him before the season starts.