Thomas is not put on IR list

Hours after surgery to repair his torn left triceps tendon, Washington Redskins right guard Randy Thomas said he hopes to be ready for the season’s stretch run. And at least for now, the Redskins are giving him that opportunity, opting to not place him on the season-ending injured reserve list.

“The doctors are saying 10 to 12 weeks — if there’s a [chance] of being able to play this year, I’m going to be there,” Thomas said during a visit to Redskin Park, his entire left arm in a bulky cast. “But even if it doesn’t go my way, I’m going to be around.”

Thomas joins right tackle Jon Jansen (leg, ankle) on the sidelines, meaning the new right side of the offensive line is tackle Todd Wade and guard Jason Fabini. The Redskins have only one healthy backup guard (Mike Pucillo).

The team worked out veteran guards Keydrick Vincent and Rick DeMulling, but coach Joe Gibbs said a roster move isn’t imminent.

Keeping a player on the active roster even though he has a long-term injury isn’t common practice. In 2004, linebacker Mike Barrow missed the season’s first 10 games before the Redskins put him on injured reserve.

“We’re going to get with the doctors and get a final analysis just to see exactly what they think,” Gibbs said. “It’s always hard [to keep an injured player on the active roster] because it’s a roster spot. But certainly Randy is a guy we value a lot.”

Thomas was injured late in the first quarter Monday night in Philadelphia when he was engaged with Darren Howard. He immediately grabbed his left arm and left the game after a Redskins field goal.

“I’m positive today — the last couple days were tough,” Thomas said. “You can’t question what happens. You just work to get better and recover. … I’m trying to get back, so it’s going be interesting.”

Thomas will be in a cast for six weeks. He said surgery revealed the muscle had been torn off the bone.

Daniels, Smoot practice

Defensive end Phillip Daniels (sprained foot) and cornerback Fred Smoot (hamstring) both returned to practice. Both players missed the Philadelphia game and participated in a good amount of team work.

Safety Vernon Fox (groin) worked out on the side.

Caldwell catching on

Receiver Reche Caldwell, signed Sept. 11, was inactive against Philadelphia when the Redskins dressed four receivers.

“I think I’m getting [the offense] down pretty well, but there’s still a lot to learn before I get out there and play,” he said. “I’m putting things together and trying to learn as much as I can as soon as I can.”

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