Redskins rule three key starters out for the rest of the 2018 season

As if getting blown out by the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday wasn’t bad enough, the Washington Redskins received more bad news on Monday.

Head coach Jay Gruden declared the following three starters out for the rest of the 2018 season: right guard Brandon Scherff, left guard Shawn Lauvao, and wide receiver Paul Richardson.

Those are some pretty brutal losses for Washington.

They’re already without starting left tackle Trent Williams for about a month as he recovers from a thumb injury. Now they’re down two at least other starting offensive lineman. It’s also worth noting that starting right tackle Morgan Moses suffered an MCL sprain and is being described as “day-to-day.”

Losing Richardson — who signed to a five-year, $40 million contract earlier this year — hurts Washington’s passing attack. He ranks second on the team in targets and yards. Richardson is Washington’s best vertical threat.

Despite losing to the Falcons, Washington still ranks first in the NFC East with a 5-3 overall record. But the loss allowed the Eagles to pull within one game with half a season left to play. Philadelphia still gets to play Washington twice this season (Week 13 and Week 17). If Washington can’t find a way to overcome their injuries, they might soon see their division lead slip away.