Post (Newsletter): Center Friedman Stays in Starting Lineup

[Jake]

Center Friedman Stays in Starting Lineup

There was some debate at the start of training camp about who would be the starting center for the Washington Redskins, but the battle between Cory Raymer and Lennie Friedman never really materialized. Friedman worked with the first team throughout training camp and has started every preseason game to this point, with Friday's exhibition finale against Atlanta unlikely to be much different.

Friedman, who was signed from Denver as a free agent in 2003 and was a versatile contributor for the Redskins last season, played in all 16 games and started eight. Raymer, a former Redskin, was signed from San Diego as a free agent in the offseason and was expected to push Friedman for the starting job. While he has played well, he did not unseat Friedman.

Both could be starters Friday night, however, as injuries pile up along the line. Three of the projected starters are out for that game -- Jon Jansen, Chris Samuels and Randy Thomas -- and the coaches will have to shuffle others into those spots. Rookies Mark Wilson and Jim Molinaro could see significant playing time, while Friedman and left guard Derrick Dockery are the only linemen who still are penciled in at their original starting positions.

Offensive line coach Joe Bugel sees lots of potential in Wilson and Molinaro and one or both could get starting assignments against the Falcons at FedEx Field.

-- Jason LaCanfora