Washington quarterback Kyle Allen will have the benefit of a bolstered offensive line as the Football Team takes on the New York Giants Sunday.
Pro Bowl right guard Brandon Scherff and rookie Saahdiq Charles rejoined the team at practice this week, with both expected to start in Week 6.
Scherff was placed on injured reserve on Sept. 22, after suffering a sprained right MCL in Washington's Week 2 loss to the Cardinals.
It is widely expected that Charles, who's been dealing with a calf injury going all the way back to training camp, will get the start at left guard, where he'd be replacing Wes Martin.
Washington's fourth-round pick in 2020, Charles played predominantly at left tackle during his time at LSU but has impressed the coaching staff with his play along the interior, which has been a weak spot for Washington thus far. He was drafted as an offensive tackle.
Washington tested the rookie out this week in place of Martin, a fourth-round pick under the old regime in 2019, and must have liked what they saw.
Head coach Ron Rivera said earlier this week Charles did "a lot" in practice and there could be an opportunity for him on Sunday.
Rivera continued to says good things about Charles throughout the week. Stacked against the coach's comments on Martin, who's started the first five games at left guard, Charles looks to have the edge going into Sunday.
"First of all, just a bigger body and a more physical body at guard for us," Rivera said Thursday. "I like what Wes Martin does. Wes is a really good puller. He’s good in space. He’s a physical blocker when he’s in space. Watching Saahdiq, Saahdiq at the point of attack is a little bit more stout."
The hope is, with these changes, Allen will have more time in the pocket against a surprisingly tough New York defense.