The Free Lance-Star, Fredericksburg, Va., Steve DeShazo column

July 28--OBAMACARE is probably the least of almost every Washington Redskin's concerns at the moment. Even the minimum NFL salary leaves plenty of discretionary income for insurance, and teams have the finest health care at their disposal.

Still, while the argument rages elsewhere, there's no denying this fact: If the Redskins hope to be this year's turnaround team, injuries are not affordable.

Every year, at least one NFL team's record goes from dismal to delightful. After finishing 2-14 in 2012, the Kansas City Chiefs won their first nine games last season under new coach Andy Reid. The team Reid left behind in Philadelphia morphed from a dysfunctional 4-12 unit to division champion.

It's not inconceivable that Washington (3-13 in 2013) can make that kind of quantum leap this season, given the apparent health of Robert Griffin III's knee and the lackluster nature of the NFC East. Griffin has a quarterback-friendly coach and more weapons at his disposal than ever, and the defense that was so porous last season added some key pieces, thanks to the expiration of a crippling but self-inflicted salary-cap penalty.

Still, the Redskins aren't remotely deep enough to survive a spate of injuries, especially at several key positions. Kirk Cousins has proven to be a capable backup to Griffin, and top draft pick Trent Murphy should solidify a strong set of outside linebackers. But losing a starter along either line or in the secondary could be devastating. That's why the team's MVP this year could be the trainer.

In 2013, only one NFL team allowed more points than Washington's 478, and the Redskins allowed 58 pass completions of 20 yards or more. Improving that unit was an offseason priority; the Redskins added free agents Jason Hatcher, Ryan Clark and Tracy Porter and drafted Murphy.

But it all starts up front, and Jim Haslett's defense looks pretty old and fragile

at the moment.

The Redskins overpaid (four years, $27.5 million) to lure Hatcher away from the rival Dallas Cowboys after his career-best 11-sack season. But he's 32 and recovering from a knee surgery. He and 30-year-old Stephen Bowen, who had a more serious microfracture knee surgery, are currently on the physically unable to perform list. And Barry Cofield, who had a solid season at age 29 last year, had offseason groin surgery.

Haslett and new coach Jay Gruden are being understandably cautious with all three veterans, knowing they'll need all three because youngsters like Jarvis Jenkins (who had a torn ACL himself in 2011) haven't yet lived up to expectations.

Without a better push up front than Washington got in 2013, a potentially upgraded secondary may not look like it. The return of Clark and the painful experience David Amerson endured last season should help. But "shutdown" isn't a word that comes to mind about the Redskins--especially without a better pass rush.

Offensively, the story is much the same. Fans have dreamed for months about Griffin throwing to newcomer DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garçon and tight end Jordan Reed when he's not handing off to Alfred Morris.

But as Gruden tries to change Griffin from a scrambler and read-option runner into a pocket passer, he needs protection for his young star. That means keeping left tackle Trent Williams as healthy as possible.

Williams has gutted his way through significant injuries in his four NFL seasons. As the anchor of a largely undistinguished offensive line, he's undoubtedly the player the Redskins can least afford to lose.

The Redskins are hardly unique in their need for avoiding boo-boos. Last season, Griffin's reconstructed knee never was 100 percent, and we saw just how much one injury can sabotage an entire franchise.

Griffin should be full speed ahead this fall, and Gruden's offense should keep him healthier. But his joints are not the only ones that will determine Washington's fate in 2014. A good record depends on good health--and good luck.

Steve DeShazo: 540/374-5443

[email protected]

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