The teams have announced the following inactives and lineup changes for today's game between the Washington Redskins and Cincinnati Bengals:
For the Washington Redskins:
- No. 8 QB Rex Grossman
- No. 31 S Brandon Meriweather
- No. 32 S Jordan Pugh
- No. 67 G Josh LeRibeus
- No. 73 G Adam Gettis
- No. 88 WR Pierre Garçon
- No. 90 DE Doug Worthington
The good news on this list are the absences of cornerback Josh Wilson and tight end Fred Davis. Both players were tested for concussion-like symptoms after last week's contest, and Wilson was limited in practice throughout the week. Both players appear to be in good shape leading up to the kickoff, and are expected to start.
Leonard Hankerson was the team's leading receiver last week, including a game-high 68-yard touchdown catch. He is expected to make the first start of the season today, and the third of his young NFL career.
This is the third-consecutive week that Grossman is inactive, leaving 2012 fourth-round draft pick Kirk Cousins as the only other active quarterback on the roster.
Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan was ambiguous on the status of safety Brandon Meriweather, who hurt his knee in practice prior to Week 1. Meriweather's status is improving, but was ruled out for the third week.
Recently re-signed outside linebacker Markus White is active for today, and has experience on special teams and defense. Shanahan noted that the White, Chris Wilson and Rob Jackson all have the opportunity to carve out playing time in place of Brian Orakpo, who was placed on season-ending injured reserve.
Worthington, Pugh, Gettis and LeRibeus are all reserve players that have yet to appear for the Redskins this season. Worthington was signed off the team's practice squad this week to replace Adam Carriker, who was placed on season-ending injured reserve.
Redskins nose tackle Chris Baker is active for the first time this season.
For the Cincinnati Bengals:
- No. 27 CB Dre Kirkpatrick
- No. 29 CB Leon Hall
- No. 79 DT Brandon Thompson
- No. 82 WR Marvin Jones
- No. 86 TE Donald Lee
- No. 88 WR Ryan Whalen
- No. 89 TE Richard Quinn
No. 91 Robert Geathers is expected to start in place of No. 96 Carlos Dunlap at left defensive end.
No. 23 Terence Newman is expected to start in place of No. 29 Leon Hall at right cornerback.
