With Rocky McIntosh sidelined tonight against the Colts due to a concussion, HB Blades will draw the start at middle linebacker next to London Fletcher for the Redskins.
Blades is in his fourth season out of Pitt. He is a classic run plugger and a reliable tackler. He will be on the field whenever the Redskins line up with four linebackers.
The Redskins are also shaking up the rotation at wide receiver. Anthony Armstrong will start at receiver, meaning Joey Galloway will take a seat unless the Redskins open in a three-receiver set.
Armstrong has just seven catches, but is averaging 26.9 yards per reception. He made a spectacular 48-yard TD catch to help spark the Redskins to a 16-13 win over Green Bay last week, and is poised to become the secondary receiving target Washington has been searching for behind Santana Moss and Chris Cooley.