PERSONNEL NEWS

Strategy And Personnel

The Sports Xchange

November 15, 2018 at 12:24 am.

PLAYER NOTES

–WR Jamison Crowder (ankle) did not practice Wednesday and could miss his fifth consecutive game.

–K Dustin Hopkins (right groin) is still uncertain for Sunday’s game against Houston. The Redskins worked out five kickers this week just in case. Hopkins has missed just two kicks this season.

–RB Chris Thompson (rib) will likely miss his fifth game in the past six.

–LT Trent Williams (thumb) has already been ruled out for Sunday’s game against Houston. Williams had surgery.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: S D.J. Swearinger is ready for some revenge. He was not happy with how Houston moved on after drafting him in the second round in 2013 and says the Texans trashed him publicly. It’s been a good two seasons in Washington. Swearinger has solidified the safety spot with four interceptions last season and four already this year. He’s also forced three fumbles in 25 games.

GAME PLAN: Washington’s offensive woes have left it heavily reliant on its defense week after week. When they play well, the Redskins have a chance to win. Turnovers are the key there with nine interceptions and nine fumble recoveries. That has been just enough in narrow victories over Dallas and Carolina. It hasn’t been near enough in blowout losses to Atlanta and New Orleans.

The Redskins need to run the ball with Adrian Peterson. They rank 10th in the NFL in rushing yards per game (121.2) and quarterback Alex Smith has 10 touchdowns to just three interceptions. He doesn’t turn the ball over. But can the injury-ravaged offensive line protect Smith? The Texans have 23 sacks, but are a little top heavy and rank 19th in sacks per opponent pass attempt (6.93 percent).
MATCHUPS TO WATCH

–Redskins CB Josh Norman vs. Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins. Norman is well prepared for this after traveling with Mike Evans in the win over Tampa Bay last weekend. But he’ll have his hands full again. Hopkins has 63 catches for 894 yards and seven touchdowns.

–Texans DE J.J. Watt vs. Redskins RT Morgan Moses. Watt has returned with a vengeance with nine sacks in nine games. Moses is the one experienced offensive lineman remaining for Washington, but he is fighting a knee injury. Expect Watt to take advantage.