Washington Redskins linebacker Brian Orakpo left Saturday night's 33-31 exhibition loss to the Chicago Bears after suffering what the team called a strained left shoulder while trying to make a tackle in the first quarter. On the same Chicago scoring drive, safety Brandon Meriweather had to be helped off the field with a left knee injury.
Following the game, Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan announced that both Orakpo and Meriweather would undergo MRIs Sunday. In Orakpo's case, there is definite cause for concern, since Shanahan disclosed that Orakpo injured his left pectoral muscle. Orakpo injured the same muscle in the 2011 season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles and had surgery on it in the offseason.
Even if the MRI reveals no significant damage, it's easy to imagine the Redskins treating both Orakpo and Meriweather with kid gloves for the rest of the preseason. Both guys are simply too important to a defense that is under pressure to improve from last year's performance.
For more on the Redskins, please be sure to check out our blog Hogs Haven and SB Nation DC for all the latest news and updates.For the Chicago perspective on Saturday night's game, check out Windy City Gridiron. And for all the latest news and notes from around the NFL, check out SB Nation's pro football hub.