Linebacker London Fletcher did not practice because of a strained right hamstring, but he now has something else to worry about: his balance. Fletcher visited with Dr. Anthony Casolaro as well as a neurologist Wednesday to determine why he’s having issues with his balance.
Coach Mike Shanahan said Fletcher first mentioned the balance issues Monday and the veteran spoke with Casolaro that evening. The Redskins obviously will know more about Fletcher’s status for Sunday’s game at Pittsburgh by Thursday.
Fletcher has played in 231 consecutive games and started 186 straight. He exited Sunday’s 27-23 loss to the Giants in the fourth quarter because of the hamstring.
Meanwhile, receiver Pierre Garcon (foot) visited Dr. Robert Anderson in Charlotte, N.C. Dr. Anderson has looked at Garcon’s MRIs in the past. There’s nothing new with his injury: he has a lateral tear of a ligament (Plantar plate), which is what an NFL source had said on Monday. Rest remains the best prescription — the source had said on Monday that doctors told Garcon he did not need surgery.
There’s a good chance that Garcon won’t play until after the Nov. 11 bye. If it’s still bothering him at that point, then other options could be explored. Fletcher’s status is uncertain.
“These guys that we’re talking about are a couple of the toughest guys we have on our team,” Shanahan said of Garcon and Fletcher. “They’re very physical. They want to play. … We’ll go with the opinion of the doctors.”
Strong safety Brandon Meriweather (knee) and corner David Jones (Achilles) were limited in practice. Everyone else, aside from Garcon and Fletcher, was full-go.
