Adam Carriker, Brian Orakpo add to Redskins’ injury woes

ST. LOUIS — Before Robert Griffin III took a snap in the first quarter Sunday, two key Redskins defenders left because of injury.

Defensive end Adam Carriker was helped off after injuring his right knee 21 seconds into the game. He never returned, spending much of the game sitting with a wrap the size of a bowling ball on the knee.

Then outside linebacker Brian Orakpo injured his right chest after sacking Bradford minutes later. Orakpo wasn’t happy and chucked his helmet 10 yards as he staggered to the sideline, but returned with 4:51 left in the first.

Orakpo partially tore his left pectoral muscle in last season’s finale and needed offseason surgery to repair the problem.

The extent of the injuries wasn’t immediately clear.

“It’s tough,” linebacker London Fletcher said. “You’re talking about two marquee players. It’s the opportunity for another guy. It’s football. The next man has to be ready.”

Garcon sits, Robinson starts

Wide receiver Pierre Garcon was inactive because of a right foot injury. Aldrick Robinson started in his place as Washington’s ‘X’ receiver.

Garcon had four receptions for 109 yards and a touchdown last week against New Orleans. He left that game after his 88-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown.

The Redskins listed Garcon as questionable on the team’s injury report. Garcon did not practice Wednesday, and he was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday. Garcon and the Redskins were pessimistic about his status.

Coach Mike Shanahan said Garcon would be a game-time decision, but he did not take the field hours before the game with other receivers.

Shanahan was hopeful about Garcon’s status Friday because he saw improvement. Shanahan said Garcon’s availability depended on whether he could tolerate the pain in his foot. Garcon would not risk further damage to his foot, Shanahan said.

Garcon did not answer reporters’ questions all week.

Robinson had four catches for 52 yards and a touchdown against New Orleans.

Washington’s six other inactive players were strong safety Brandon Meriweather (sprained left knee), quarterback Rex Grossman, defensive lineman Chris Baker, newly signed safety Jordan Pugh and rookie offensive linemen Josh LeRibeus and Adam Gettis.

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