Pierre Garcon Out Against Panthers

Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon has officially been ruled out of this weekends game against the Panthers according to the Washington Post. For more on Garcon and a few other injured Redskins, go to this link.

Garcon has played in just three of the Redskins eight games this season. He started week one against the Saints and had a huge impact early in that game. Garcon had four receptions for 109 yards including an 88 yard touchdown reception. Garcon then left the game late in the first half after injuring his foot.

Garcon then returned in weeks four and five and had nowhere near the impact that he had in week one. In those two games combined, Garcon was targeted by quarterback Robert Griffin III eight times and made just four receptions for 44 yards and no touchdowns.

The biggest problem that the Redskins biggest free-agency addition this past season has been running into is his explosion and ability to push hard off that foot. Not being able to do that will effect his jump off the line, jumping ability, and he has also said that it hampers his ability to go side to side.

The earliest we will see Garcon return to the field next is against the Eagles in week 11. Following the Redskins game against the Panthers, Washington has a bye week. That will give Garcon more time to try to heal his foot.

Another thing to keep in mind about Pierre Garcon's injury is that it could require surgery. While a doctor told Garcon that he doesn't need surgery for it to heal (doing so would end his season), he will need to stay off of hit completely in order for it to heal the fastest.

As for now, Garcon and the Redskins are trying to avoid surgery by giving him plenty of rest. Expect Santana Moss to still have an impact on the passing game. He has been Griffin's top target with Garcon out. Another receiver that has felt the impact of Garcon's absence is Dezmon Briscoe. Briscoe has seen an elevation in playing time as the fourth receiver.

Question: How do you think Garcon's absence has impacted the Redskins? Leave your opinion in a comment below!

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Source: Washington Post

Garcon Needs Surgery?

Garcon, above, has played in just three games this season. (Photo: Keith Allison)

Hopefully not. But, Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon was told by a foot specialist that he may need surgery to repair the plantar-plate tear in his right second toe. The Washington Post has more.

Garcon first suffered the injury against the New Orleans Saints. After posting 109 yards and a touchdown, the Redskins off-season acquisition had to sit for most of the game with the foot injury. He reappeared in weeks four and five, but failed to post the numbers that he did against the Saints due to his foot.

After getting an MRI, it was revealed that Garcon had injured his right second toe and was more serious than once thought. Prior to the MRI, Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan said that the pain could be all mental, but it should still be checked out.

Garcon now has two options: he could undergo surgery to repair his toe and miss the season or take full rest and wait for it to heal 100%. If Garcon goes the full-rest route, he could still have to go under-the-knife following the season.

The biggest problem that Garcon says stems from this injury is his explosion. He has trouble pushing off of it and exploding off the line. He can run straight line, as well, but has troubles cutting and going side-to-side. For the receiver position, those are some key characteristics that he must be good at if he wants to make a difference.

For now, Garcon will be sidelined while they wait to let his toe heal. Garcon, his agent, and the Redskins have said that they don't want to go the surgery route as that will cost him his season.

Before you go crazy and call Garcon another "bust", remember that we know what he's capable of. He and quarterback Robert Griffin III had quite the chemistry prior to Garcons injury. Garcon is a good receiver and can really make a difference in this offense. In the few glimpses we've had of him at 100 percent health, he has been a standout receiver and the one the Redskins hoped they signed.

Garcon has unfortunately been bitten by the injury bug. This is one of those weird injuries that seems to be nagging and in order for it to heal completely without surgery, Garcon is going to have to be off of it for a while.

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Source: Washington Post