Redskins' punter Sav Rocca took some heat on Sunday after an up-and-down punting day which included a 12-yard punt, but it turns out Rocca has been playing through a torn meniscus in his right knee, according to Grant Paulsen.
Rocca originally injured the knee prior to the Redskins Week 7 game against the New York Giants. He was questionable to play against the Giants, but was listed as a full participant in all three practices last week and was probable against Pittsburgh. Rocca is averaging 43.5 yards per punt this season, but that number has dropped to 36.8 since the injury.
Starting linebacker Perry Riley strained his hamstring against Pittsburgh, but is likely to play on Sunday against Carolina assuming he does not suffer a setback during the week. Riley has started all eight games this season, racking up 65 tackles, a sack and six pass deflections.
While Riley should play against Carolina, the Redskins will likely be without wide receiver Pierre Garcon who continues to recover from a ruptured ligament in his toe. Garcon has missed five games this season and head coach Mike Shanahan said he isn't likely to play until after the team's Week 10 bye week.