Safety Pierson Prioleau will be sidelined for the remainder of the season after suffering a knee ligament injury in Monday's season opener against the Minnesota Viking.
The injury occurred on the opening kickoff of Monday's game, a 19-16 loss. Prioleau appeared to plant his foot awkwardly while running downfield in kickoff coverage and the seven-year veteran fell to the ground.
"It's a shame," head coach Joe Gibbs said on Monday. "He's a guy who was big down the stretch for us last year. He plays great on special teams. There were times last year when he won [team] awards for his play on special teams and defense.
"He was playing great football for us and you hate to see something like that happen to somebody. He put a lot into this year and I think that was a big disappointment for us."
Prioleau is scheduled to undergo surgery on the knee within the next two weeks
With Prioleau sidelined, the Redskins may consider adding to the depth at the safety position. Sean Taylor and Adam Archuleta are the expected starters and should see the bulk of playing time. But the backups are rookie Reed Doughty, the Redskins' sixth-round draft pick last April, and Vernon Fox, who signed with the team 10 days ago.
Meantime, fullback Manuel White, Jr., suffered a knee ligament injury during practice last Saturday. White, a member of the team's practice squad, is expected to undergo an MRI this week to determine the extent of the injury.
White missed all of the 2005 season with a fractured fibula injury.
Cornerback Shawn Springs has increased his running this week as he continues to recover from abdominal surgery last month.
Springs's status for the practice this week remains "day to day," Gibbs said.
"He worked out hard on Saturday, but we'll just have to see how the week goes," Gibbs said. "I'm hoping that he's going to get a chance to get back on the field."
Clinton Portis emerged from the game with some soreness, Gibbs said. Portis is expected to be available for Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Asked if Portis's role would increase against Dallas, Gibbs replied: "I think it'll kind of go as the week goes. We'll have to see how much he is going to be able to take in practice."
Defensive end Renaldo Wynn, who has an ankle injury and sat out Monday's game, is expected to return to practice this week.
