Arrington aggravates ailing knee

Washington Redskins linebacker LaVar Arrington aggravated his rehabilitating right knee yesterday but apparently is no less likely to play Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.

Arrington, who underwent arthroscopic surgery Sept. 23 and hasn’t played the past four games, slipped during practice at Redskin Park and was taken immediately to see the team doctor.

No structural damage was found, and director of sports medicine Bubba Tyer said Arrington’s status for the Packers game remains essentially the same — probably “questionable” on tomorrow’s injury report, pending a re-evaluation today.

“It just kind of scared us and scared him,” Tyer said.

Assuming Arrington’s knee doesn’t swell up, the training staff will focus on building the strength in his calf in coming days. Arrington missed Washington’s most recent game, an Oct. 17 win at Chicago, because he hadn’t regained enough speed to fulfill his normal responsibilities.

Washington’s defense hasn’t missed Arrington. With Lemar Marshall filling in at weakside linebacker, the unit still ranks second in the NFL and first against the run.

Arrington’s setback was the only negative injury news following a much-needed bye weekend. Kicker John Hall (groin) could begin kicking again in practice tomorrow, defensive end Phillip Daniels (groin) practiced in a limited fashion and might play against the Packers and cornerback Fred Smoot (shoulders) practiced and is expected to play.

Washington might even see long-injured linebacker Mike Barrow in uniform Sunday for the first time. Barrow, who has been out since the first week of training camp with tendon problems in his knee, is scheduled to return to practice tomorrow.

Tackle Parker signs

Washington followed through on its preseason interest in tackle Vaughn Parker by signing the 11-year pro now that he finally regained his health.

The pickup of Parker and release of former starter Kenyatta Jones was coach Joe Gibbs’ second roster swap of the past week. Last Tuesday the team signed Fred Baxter and cut starting tight end Walter Rasby.

Parker, a longtime starter for the San Diego Chargers, tore the ACL and MCL in his left knee last season and missed the final 13 games. A staph infection then arose after a clean-up procedure on his ankle. The infection caused fever and severe pain and kept Parker on the shelf until recently.

Washington considered Parker, 33, when right tackle Jon Jansen went down during the preseason but held off because of the staph infection. The starting job went to Jones, who eventually gave way to aging Ray Brown and yesterday found himself unemployed.

“It was probably best for all of us,” Gibbs said. “We had Vaughn Parker, who we know a lot about and who had been in San Diego with [linebackers coach] Dale Lindsey and [assistant head coach for offense] Joe Bugel. … It was one of those decisions, you hate to do it, but it’s best for the club.”

Jones’ quick fall from grace was somewhat surprising considering the coaching staff never indicated it was unhappy with his performance. However, Brown moved ahead of Jones, and it appears the staff was interested in signing Parker all along.

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