Report: Rookie LT Saahdiq Charles dealing with calf injury; could miss several days

Rookie LT Saahdiq Charles is expected to compete for starting spot, but a calf injury could sideline him for the majority of training camp.

One of the most contentious position battles going forward in Washington is on the offensive line at the left tackle position. There are three contenders for the starting LT spot — Geron Christian, Saahdiq Charles, and Cornelius Lucas — but only two of them have been present in training camp so far.

According to a report from The Athletic, rookie Saahdiq Charles has been dealing with a calf injury that is holding him out of camp so far this past week. Through the early days of training camp when coaches are looking to get a feel for their depth at certain positions, this is a tough thing to deal with in Washington, as Charles stands to be one of the leading contenders to protect QB Dwayne Haskins’ blindside this season.

Not only has Charles missed the first few days of practice because of this injury, but it’s likely that he misses some time going forward as well, according to the The Athletic’s Ben Standig.

The Washington Football Team resumes its on-field work Saturday for the opening of five consecutive practice sessions. Current expectations suggest Charles’ return comes later.

Though practice time this year is precious for all players but especially rookies, the 6-foot-4 tackle may remain sidelined for several more days out of precaution, according to sources. The training camp concludes on August 30.

Following the first practice of the week, Rivera described injuries to Charles and defensive end Ryan Anderson as “minor.”

So if you’re holding out hope on seeing Charles in training camp practices, you may want to have some patience. We will continue to monitor this situation as it goes forward, but chances are that the rookie won’t have enough time to win that starting LT spot before the 2020 season begins.

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