Lauvao said he underwent five procedures, including two major surgeries, during that period. He said doctors recently sawed the bone off his first metatarsal in his right foot and made a slight incision on his peroneal tendon. He said he expects to start walking some time next week and should be ready to participate during offseason workouts.

“In this game, it’s not like the movies,” Lauvao said. “It’s not a feel-good story at the end. The one thing I will say, though, is that there’s a lot of wear and tear on your body. The one thing, as players around the league, you master the art of playing hurt, if that makes any sense. You’ve got to give the people what they want, as I like to say.

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“My mom said the same thing. She’s like, ‘What are you doing?’ If it’s something you’re passionate about, you’ll do whatever it takes. The one thing is that I’m real humble from having a different perspective, but at the same time, I’m just grateful and happy for my peers, man.”

The Arizona State product played just three games this year after suffering a lateral sprain to his left ankle that ended his season in a game against against the New York Giants. It’s the first time in Lauvao’s career that he has played fewer than 10 regular-season games, but he gained a new perspective while watching the Redskins win the NFC East division title from his couch.

“As a football player, you want to help your team any way possible,” Lauvao said. “It’s been frustrating at times, but the other thing too is that you get another perspective. You have an appreciation for the game; you have an appreciation for your peers and your coaches for what they bring to the table.”

In Lauvao’s absence, Spencer Long made 13 starts in his second season after playing just five games as a rookie. Long was among the many backups who were needed to help the offensive line get through some key injuries throughout the season.

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“ ‘Husker’ did a good job, Lauvao said. “He made me proud. There’s a tear drop right here [in my eye]. No, I’m kidding. But he did a phenomenal job man and that’s hats off to Bill [Callahan] just with the preparation and the guys in the room.”