An assortment of injuries has cut back on Marcus Washington's playing time each of the last two seasons.
Nothing can hold back Washington's resolve and determination when it comes to rehabbing and getting back on the field, though.
The 6-3, 248-pound linebacker who is in his eighth NFL season has been named the Redskins' Ed Block Courage Award winner, head athletic trainer John Burrell has announced.
The Ed Block Courage Award is named for the former Baltimore athletic trainer and is given to players who have overcome injuries while at the same time maintaining a high level of sportsmanship and professionalism both on and off the field.
All 32 NFL teams select a worthwhile recipient to be honored at a league-wide banquet in the Baltimore area in the spring. Most recent Redskins winners were linebacker Khary Campbell and guard Randy Thomas.
In 10 games this season, Washington has 48 tackles, five sacks and one interception.
Coaches, teammates and members of the organization's athletic training and medical staffs say Washington is to be commended for his willingness to work hard to overcome a series of injuries.
Last year, Washington was sidelined late in the season with a knee injury. In the offseason, he underwent hip surgery that sidelined him until training camp.
Then, in a preseason game, Washington suffered a dislocated right elbow injury, but he was able to rehab in time to start the Redskins' regular season opener.
He was particularly instrumental in the Redskins' 2-0 start.
In the 16-13 overtime win over Miami in Week 1, Washington came up with a season-high eight tackles. On Week 2, in his team's 20-12 Monday Night win at Philadelphia, Washington totaled six tackles and a sack of Philly QB Donovan McNabb.
In Week 5 against Detroit, Washington had two sacks on Lions QB Jon Kitna, but he strained his hamstring, an injury that forced him to miss four games.
Through all the injuries the last two years, Washington has battled back in rehab, kept his spirits high and maintained his status as a defensive leader.
Whatever the challenge facing Marcus Washington during his career with the Redskins, he has basically always responded.
