Redskins putting Thomas on injured reserve

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By Ryan O'Halloran

Washington Redskins right guard Randy Thomas faces surgery later this week to repair a torn triceps muscle sustained in Sunday's win over the St. Louis Rams.

Coach Jim Zorn confirmed Thomas' status on Monday and said the veteran will be placed on the season-ending injured reserve list.

Thomas, who was at Redskin Park on Monday, was not made available to reporters and isn't scheduled to speak until after his surgery.

"I'm just very disappointed right now," Thomas said in a statement released by the team. "It hurts because I want to be out there with my teammates. I worked really hard in the offseason and was looking forward to this year.

"I will have the surgery this week and focus my attention on rehabbing. I'll be there every step of the way to help support my teammates the rest of the season. I believe in them and know we can continue to be successful."

Zorn did not name a new starter but said the first shot will go to a player on the roster, likely Chad Rinehart or Will Montgomery.

"Right now, I'm going to meet with our offensive staff and that will be a major subject and then we'll try and find the right formula," Zorn said. "I don't know who's going to fill that position right at the moment. We'll know more as we go along. It may be decided upon with the guys that we have here. We may try a couple of scenarios."

Asked specifically about former Redskins left guard Pete Kendall, Zorn didn't rule it out but the team is expected to try an in-house candidate first and if they don't work out, then explore a veteran alternative.

"We have several guys to choose from," Zorn said. "I don't know if we can go outside the organization right now and have a guy ready for Detroit. We've got to have somebody who can communicate with our terminology and the way we're training our guys and step right in. I think [Joe Bugel] will get that guy ready."

Kendall, who spent two seasons with Washington and was not re-signed by the team after last season, remains home, having signed with no one else. He sent a text message to The Washington Times which said: "No contact from Skins. I'd have interest."

The other players on the roster with guard experience are Edwin Williams (although he's more of a center) and D'Anthony Batiste (although he's now working at tackle). A long shot could be bringing back Jeremy Bridges, who was cut during training camp after struggling at tackle but has starting experience at guard.

Zorn said Jason Campbell could be limited when the team returns to practice on Wednesday, but he is expected to start on Sunday against Detroit. Campbell, who sustained a foot sprain against St. Louis, walked into Redskin Park today with nothing on the ankle.