RICHMOND - In the first two games of the 2015 season, the Redskins looked like a team that would win games using a power running attack. In the opener, Washington gained more than 160 yards on the ground in a loss to the Dolphins. In the second game, a win over the Rams, the Redskins rushed for more than 180 yards.

In week three, however, the rush offense slowed up.

The team gained just 88 yards in a loss to the Giants. Coincidence or not, that game marked left guard Shawn Lauvao's last start, as he sustained a dislocated ankle and missed the remainder of the year. Not totally attributable to Lauvao's absence, but the Redskins run game was never the same.

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The ankle injury forced Lauvao to miss the beginning of training camp this season, as he landed on the PUP list. On Monday, Redskins coach Jay Gruden revealed Lauvao would practice and rejoin the roster.

"Lauvao is going to practice today," Gruden said. "We're fired up to get old Shawny back out there."

Lauvao's return will be a welcome sight for the Redskins offensive coaches, as his absence and the return of center Kory Lichtensteiger should give Washington a much improved look along the offensive line. Without Lauvao and Lichtensteiger, the Redskins were forced to use players like last year Spencer Long and Josh LeRibeus in new slots.