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Ron Rivera gave an update that a lot of fans have been waiting for, rookie OL Saahdiq Charles is getting 1st team reps at guard! He said it was out of need that the former LSU OT was moved inside. Washington is getting Brandon Scherff back from IR, and he could possibly start this week. Wes Martin has struggled at left guard and been called out for it.
Rivera gave some clarification on the Dwayne Haskins Jr. illness story that started on Sunday when the former starting QB was sent home sick. Haskins also missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday. He reported to the team facility every day to receive his COVID-19, a new pandemic mandate this year. Haskins is dealing with some kind of gastrointestinal illness and was sent home both days. Rivera wants everyone to know the team is not keeping him from practicing, the doctors are.
Press Conference: Ron RiveraHead Coach Ron Rivera spoke to the media about the offensive line, Kyle Allen and more.
Posted by Washington Football Team on Thursday, October 15, 2020
Injury updates:
Thursday's Washington-NYG injury report: pic.twitter.com/ar3LL9ed5Z
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) October 15, 2020
Today's practice report: DNP -- G Joshua Garnett (illness), QB Dwayne Haskins (illness), CB Greg Stroman (foot), LB Ryan Anderson (back)
— John Keim (@john_keim) October 15, 2020
Full: Chase Roullier, Antonio Gibson, Kyle Allen. and Brandon Scherff
(sorry for initial confusion on now deleted inj report; cut and paste!)
Focus:
Rivera thought the tempo was good today. The focus was there, and hopefully that will transfer over to Sunday.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) October 15, 2020
Dwayne Haskins Jr.:
Ron Rivera gets asked about Dwayne Haskins’ situation for the umpteenth time today. His response when asked for clarification why the QB isn't at the facility again. pic.twitter.com/S3nG5RN7q2
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) October 15, 2020
Rivera on Haskins: "The young man is feeling ill and we've got to respect that and make sure he's getting proper care and he'll be back when he's feeling better and healthier." Says only a distraction when we ask about it.
— John Keim (@john_keim) October 15, 2020
Saahdiq Charles:
Rivera said Saahdiq Charles looks good and has had a couple of good practice days. He reiterated again that he wants the offensive line to be more consistent.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) October 15, 2020
Rivera said rookie OL Saahdiq Charles has been handling his reps in practice "very, very well."
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) October 15, 2020
"We're just trying to get him reps," Rivera said. That's why we saw him at LG at practice today.
Ron Rivera on the mic.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) October 15, 2020
Says the goal with Saahdiq Charles is to get him reps. For now that means guard.
"We have to find out where he can play and where he fits best for us."
Rivera said they're getting reps for Charles wherever they can, which is why he's at G. (had mentioned a while ago that they were trying him at both spots)...Rivera says he's strong at point of attack. Says moving him to guard is more out of need.
— John Keim (@john_keim) October 15, 2020
Rivera said they've been trying Saahdiq Charles at guard to get a bigger, more physical presence inside. Said he thinks Charles can be a good tackle but this was a move "more out of need."
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 15, 2020
Wes Martin:
Rivera said using Saahdiq Charles at LG is more "out of need."
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) October 15, 2020
"Wes [Martin] is a really good puller. He's good in space. He's physical in space," Rivera said. "Saahdiq, at the point of attack and at the line of scrimmage, is more stout."
Sounds like Charles could start Sunday
Cole Holcomb:
Rivera said Cole Holcomb could see some more playing time. "I'd like to see that position play better for us," Rivera said of his linebackers.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) October 15, 2020
Ron Rivera said that, if there's one position on the defensive side he wants to see more from, it's linebacker. He said they've been inconsistent, and he's expecting a healthy Cole Holcomb to get a chance to help.
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) October 15, 2020
"I'd like to see that position play better for us."
Re: linebackers, Rivera said he'd, "like to see that position play better for us." He said he wants to see consistency across the board from the play. When they’re in film room, there’s always something they note that was given up, and they want to see less of that
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) October 15, 2020
RiveraStrong:
#RiveraStrong pic.twitter.com/H2zfjFW8Vx
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) October 15, 2020
Ron Rivera on the "Rivera Strong" message: "I get notes every day and it truly does mean something. ... It really does help me. I can't explain why. It's just great to know there are folks behind me."
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 15, 2020
Rivera gets notes as he goes through his treatment every day and it lifts his spirit. It feels good to know that there are people in his corner supporting him.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) October 15, 2020
Rivera said he has one more chemo session and seven more proton therapy. Oct. 26 is his last day of treatment.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) October 15, 2020
James Bradberry:
Rivera drafted CB James Bradberry in Carolina. His scouting report: "Very physical. He gets his hands on guys, and he can stone them at the line of scrimmage."
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) October 15, 2020
Also mentioned his good vision, anticipation and physicality when the ball is in the air.
Kyle Allen:
Rivera says he was "fired up" at first when Kyle Allen dove for the first down because of the linebacker mentality in him, but "sometimes discretion is the better part of valor." #WashingtonFootball
— Chris Russell AKA The Rooster (@Russellmania621) October 15, 2020
Rivera said the "gung-ho linebacker" in him was fired up about Kyle Allen diving for that first down against the Rams. Said it showed his competitiveness and heart.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) October 15, 2020
"He got up woozy, and then I was concerned, which is the head coach in me."
Rivera on the Allen scramble/injury play: "The gung-ho linebacker [in me] loved it. Here's a guy fighting and scratching and doing what he can to help you win. I was fired up for him until he got up woozy and then concerned and that's the head coach in me. I was split on it."
— John Keim (@john_keim) October 15, 2020