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Mike Shanahan had his press conference after practice today and revealed that projected starting left guard Kory Lichtensteiger had surgery today on the same knee that he had surgery on last season. Shanahan stressed it wasn't too serious, and that it was purely a minor scope to remove some cartilage debris.
The surgeon confirmed Lichtensteiger could play as soon as the third week of preseason, but the Redskins are moving cautiously. Shanahan said he will most likely target a return for the week one opening game against the Saints in New Orleans.
In the meantime, third round rookie Josh LeRibeus and returning veteran Maurice Hurt will be competing at left guard in Lichtensteiger's absence. LeRibeus had filled in for Lichtensteiger in camp up until this point, while Hurt took over for Lichtensteiger last season after he went down, so that could be an interesting camp battle to watch for. Shanahan said the Redskins wouldn't be looking to bring in anyone outside of the organization to compete for the job, as he believes "those guys aren't out there".