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Veteran guard Mike Williams is expected to miss the 2010 season with blood clots near his heart, according to a report.
There's a concerning situation developing in Washington. According to Jason Reid of the Washington Post, veteran Redskins guard Mike Williams is in danger of missing the 2010 season with blood clots near his heart.
Williams, projected to compete for a starting spot at right guard, was hospitalized recently because the problem, the team sources said. Although Williams has been released from the hospital, the organization is concerned that his condition could be career-threatening and likely will keep him off the field for at least the upcoming season, which gets underway July 29 when the team begins its first training camp under Coach Mike Shanahan.
Williams, 30, was over 400 pounds at one point before getting down to 330 with the Redskins. Shanahan has been high on Williams, who was a former first round pick with the Bills. He was originally drafted as an offensive tackle, where he struggled. He moved to guard with the Redskins last year and had enough success that he earned a two-year contract from Shanahan and Co.
Williams was expected to compete with new signee Artis Hicks at guard and, according to Reid, would have played considerably even in a reserve role.
For more on the situation, check out SB Nation's Hogs Haven.
Reports out of Washington Redskins training camp this afternoon, which just wrapped up with its first session, have the team releasing guard Mike Williams.
Reporter Rick Maese of The Washington Post just tweeted from coach Mike Shanahan’s post-practice press gathering:
Redskins cut guard Mike Williams, who’s sitting out the seeason due to blood clots, Shanahan said
Williams, a former top-five draft pick of the Buffalo Bills, was signed as a project before the 2009 NFL season after being out of the league for a year; he had ballooned to more than 400 pounds. After getting in shape, he made the 2009 team and got time at tackle before moving inside and spending the rest of the season at guard.
He was hospitalized because of blood clots earlier this summer.
SB Nation DC has gathered a few quotes following the report that Redskins guard Mike Williams is lost for the season because of blood clots near his heart.
From Chris Russell of 106.7 the Fan:
Other quotes from #Redskins OG Mike Williams that he gave approval "I'm not dead" and "If I get 100 % cleared, Im going to play football"
From Kelli Johnson of CSN Washington:
Talked 2Skins Mike Williams,he's doing well;out 6 mnths w/blood clots n lungs;Disappointed but n good spirits as usual;health most important
The next question becomes whether he can continue his career, not just the 2010 season.
Redskins Place Guard Mike Williams On Non-Football Injury List
Contrary to an earlier report, the Washington Redskins did not release Mike Williams on the first day of training camp; they instead placed him on the non-football injury list.
According to Ryan O’Halloran of CSN Washington, Williams met with Redskins coach Mike Shanahan on Thursday morning and told him he wants to continue his career and plans to remain in the Northern Virginia area.
Williams, 30, started eight games last year for the Redskins, but was in line to compete for a starting spot before getting sidelined by blood clots.
Jul 29 11:03p by John Taylor - 0 comments