Trent Williams is trying to do something heroic.

However, it seems clear he will end up with season-ending surgery sooner than later. That would be in his best interest — and probably the team’s as well.

I understand and respect his playing through the pain for the team. With four of the five Redskins’ starting offensive linemen injured. I can see the temptation and pressure to keep going. In the end, there are several reasons why surgery is inevitable and, in my opinion, should come soon.

Williams needs a knee ligament surgery. No, it is not the well-known ACL, PCL, MCL or LCL (the four main well-known ligaments), but he needs reconstruction of the medial patello femoral ligament (MPFL). He is trying to play through the pain and delay surgery until after the season.


The MPFL helps to hold the patella in the groove to allow the leg to squat or press with power.

With the kneecap continuing to shift out of place, Williams is hard-pressed to be effective. Additionally, you never know when the patella will shift and Williams will be forced out of the game. This could happen in the middle of a play and result in a game-changing sack fumble. Or the Redskins could be suiting up a half-man short every game as it can never be certain he can finish a game.

Williams, who missed 11 snaps Monday night, has been limited in practice and has said he is unsure whether he is hurting the team by playing.

Moreover, he might be hurting himself. Every time the knee cap shifts out of place, there is potential for permanent damage to the articular cartilage. This is like continuing to drive a race car with the wheels out of alignment. The car doesn’t perform very well and the tread gets chewed up quickly. The difference in the human body is the articular cartilage is irreplaceable whereas a new set of tires can be put on.


Williams is quoted as saying MPFL surgery requires a 5-6 month recovery. Depending on the type of surgery to stabilize the patella, it could easily take 6-9 months to return to full form. Waiting until the end of the season potentially jeopardizes the start of the next one.

I hope I am wrong and Williams can continue to play without any long-term risk. I am not second-guessing the Redskins or their medical staff. I am certain the player and doctors have consulted regarding the risks.

However, knowing what I do about the rigors of the NFL and orthopedic injuries, I don’t see how this can continue much longer.

Kudos to Williams for trying. But expect to see his season over sooner than later.


In the end, that may be the best thing for the player and the team.