Pre-Preseason Injury Update

I feel about the NFL season the way little kids feel about Christmas. I've literally been counting down the days. If Dan Snyder sold Redskins advent calendars, I'd be the first (and probably only) person in line to buy one. The anticipation has been particularly excruciating this offseason because everyone wants to see the Great RG3 Gamble of 2012 pay off. Tonight's preseason contest against the lowly Bills will be our first glimpse of him in real game action, and I can't wait.

First, though, we need to give a quick rundown of injuries. The news is the best you could hope for on defense, with no players sidelined for health reasons. The same can't be said on offense, and particularly along the offensive line. Here's what we've got:

RB Tim Hightower — Hightower voiced his desire to play in preseason contests because of course he wants to play, duh. "That's too bad," says Boss Man Shanahan while playing the world's tiniest violin. At least that's how I imagined the conversation going. Hightower will return for week one barring any setbacks.

FB Darrel Young — Young suffered a hammy strain on July 31, but the injury was nowhere near as serious as the one that derailed his 2011 campaign. Still, the team is being cautious with the rehab process and he should be out at least another week. He’s a scratch for tonight.

WR Anthony Armstrong — Here’s the update on Armstrong’s shoulder (injured August 2): X-rays confirm that it’s a second-degree sprain of the AC joint, so nothing too serious. He returned to practice Monday, but sported a yellow no-contact jersey with an upside-down question mark applied to the chest in white tape. Cute, but still not playing this evening.

WR Lance Lewis — You’ll be as shocked as I was to learn that there hasn’t been round-the-clock reporting on the status of Lewis’ groin injury. As of last week, he was expected to miss a week or two, so I can only guess that includes the first preseason game. If anyone has more up-to-date information on Lewis or the whereabouts of Carmen Sandiego, please contact me IMMEDIATELY.

WR Darius Hanks (thanks Kevin) — Per his twitter feed, he tore his labrum and is out for the season.

OT Jammal Brown — Something about a hip. And not being able to run. But he has been improving or whatever. Feel free to roll your eyes, and count him out of tonight’s game.

OT James Lee — As of August 4, Lee was still sitting out with knee swelling. Can’t confirm that he’ll be ready to play against Buffalo. Also can't confirm that Shark Week will be declared a national holiday (though that would be awesome, amiright??).

G Chris Chester — Another one bites the dust. This time, it’s starting right guard Chris Chester, who suffered a mild ankle sprain on August 6 and is unlikely to appear against the Bills. The good news is that he could return any day and probably would play if this were a regular-season contest. Still, that means we’re starting our 2012 fifth-round pick at right guard. Not a knock on Adam Gettis, just the truth.

G/C Kory Lichtensteiger — July 31 arthroscopic surgery on Lichtensteiger’s reconstructed knee is expected to hold him out for all of preseason. Like Hightower, the plan is to have him ready for week one. We wait with baited breath.

As usual, let me know if I missed anyone. Or if anyone missed me! Awwww, you guys are the best.