Report: Washington’s starting left tackle isn’t expected to show up for training camp

Washington starting left tackle Trent Williams is NOT expected to report to the team’s training camp this week, according to NFL Network.

This news isn’t shocking because Williams already skipped Washington’s mandatory minicamp. It was previously reported that Williams has “vowed not to play for [Washington]” and wants to be traded or released. Williams is said to be unhappy with his contract and/or Washington’s medical staff.

This news is significant because skipping training camp practice is much more costly than missing minicamp. Williams can now be fined up to $40,000 for each day missed ... plus one week’s regular season salary for each preseason game missed. He’s trying to show Washington that he’s serious about his demands.

We’ll see if either Williams or Washington eventually buckles. If Washington ends up playing games without Williams, well, that won’t be very good for them. The seven-time Pro Bowler is obviously a key part of their offensive line. If Williams isn’t in the starting lineup, Washington could be relying on former Giants bust Ereck Flowers at left tackle, which, yikes!

And even if Williams DOES eventually report, there are still some questions about his health status.

The Philadelphia Eagles host Washington at Lincoln Financial Field in Week 1 so the Williams situation will be one worth monitoring moving forward.