Leonard Hankerson trying to learn new offense while rehabbing

Nobody is sure when Leonard Hankerson will return from a knee injury he suffered last season.

The wide receiver, who is going into his fourth NFL season, tore his ACL in Philadelphia on Nov. 17. That was seven months ago and the normal recovery period for such an injury ranges from seven to nine months.

But Jay Gruden cautioned against using the calendar to set expectations for Hankerson. “It’s totally different,” he said. “Different guys handle it [differently] at different positions and the rehab could be longer for certain guys, so we’ll wait and see.”

Redskins training camp will open on July 24 and while Hankerson is optimistic about being ready he is of the same mindset as is his coach.

“I should be good by training camp but you never know,” he said. “Hopefully no setbacks or anything like that.

“I just got to keep working, keep pushing. Keep doing the little things I’m doing every day and keep moving forward and hopefully no setbacks.”

Hankerson needs to get back on the field to fight for playing time. The Redskins signed receivers Andre Roberts and DeSean Jackson during the offseason, pushing hi further down the depth chart. But Hankerson understands why.

“We needed help all the way around,” he said. “We won three games last year so something had to happen. Andre Roberts, DeSean, two great players.”
He also has to learn Jay Gruden’s offense. While both Gruden’s and Mike Shanahan’s schemes are in the West Coast family there are distinct differences that Hankerson has to get up to speed on.

“We have meetings every day,” he said. “We’re learning it. Every time you get a new coach there’s always going to be some different things. I should have it once I get out there and start running this stuff.”


(csnwashington.com)