London Fletcher Injury: Washington Redskins' Linebacker Will Play Sunday Vs. Bills, Barring Setback
Linebacker London Fletcher suffered a hamstring injury in the Washington Redskins' 33-20 loss to the Carolina Panthers, but he will play Sunday against the Bills barring a setback, Mike Shanahan announced on Friday.
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That means Fletcher's consecutive games streak will likely reach 215. As for Fletcher himself, he was coy when asked whether he would play. Via Chris Russell of ESPN 980.
Just talked to London Fletcher about @JasonLaCanfora report - said "Where did they get that from? Not from me." When asked about what he did today, he put finger to his lips & didn't say. Said he hopes to be able to go.
The Redskins have been bit by the injury bug as of late, but according to Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network, they won't be without London Fletcher, arguably their most important defensive player, when they face the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
That streak is incredibly impressive, especially considering that Fletcher was not drafted coming out of College. I don't have to tell you how important his intensity and leadership, let alone his play on the field, are to the Redskins defense. That is a huge bump for the Redskins to have against the Bills.
Washington Redskins linebacker London Fletcher was limited in practice on Thursday due to a hamstring injury he originally suffered on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. He missed practice entirely on Wednesday, so this is a sign of progress. It remains unclear whether he will play against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
Fletcher originally suffered the injury late in the fourth quarter against Carolina chasing down Cam Newton. He is the leader of the Redskins' defense, so his absence would be significant.
If Fletcher cannot play, his consecutive games streak would come to an end. Fletcher has been on the field for 214 consecutive games, an amazing stat considering the pounding linebackers take. He's dealt with nagging injuries before in his career, but always manages to play through them.
London Fletcher missed the Washington Redskins' practice on Wednesday due to a pulled hamstring, according to the team. The linebacker initially suffered the injury in the fourth quarter of Washington's 33-20 defeat against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, and his availability for this Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills is uncertain.
Fletcher ranks No. 2 on the Redskins in tackles (22) and No. 1 in assists (21). In addition, he's defensed four passes, made one interception, and recorded half a sack in his six games this season. Despite his advanced age (36), the two-time Pro Bowler is among the Redskins' top individual defensive players.
Washington (3-3) visits Toronto to take on the Bills (4-2) this Sunday, Oct. 30. Buffalo owns the NFL's No. 3-ranked offense, so having Fletcher healthy is of particular importance in this contest.
The Washington Redskins have a ton of injuries right now, and there may be one more to add to the list. Linebacker London Fletcher was forced to leave the game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, and coach Mike Shanahan said in his weekly press conference that Fletcher has a pulled hamstring. Via 106.7 The Fan's audio:
"London has a hamstring pull. How serious it is, I really don't know," Shanahan said. "I don't think it's that serious, but we'll find out more on Wednesday."
The injury happened late in the fourth quarter. Fletcher has been the anchor of the Washington Redskins' defense, which had been much-improved prior to the 33-20 loss to the Panthers on Sunday. Fletcher has 21 tackles, 22 assists, one interception and half a sack in six games this season.
The news just keeps getting worse for Redskin fans after an ugly 33-20 loss to the Carolina Panthers. In comments after the game, Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan confirmed injury status for numerous players.
Santana broke bone in hand, Fletcher hamstring severity unknown, Hightower they don't know for sure, Rex had pneumonia
What the injuries mean for the Redskins will be determined, but the early results look awful. Once Moss left the game, Redskins quarterback John Beck looked almost exclusively to his tight ends. Moss is the only legit NFL talent on the Redskins receiving group. Fletcher provides leadership and direction for the defense.