The Washington Redskins, needing depth for an offensive line that suffered multiple injuries Sunday, placed place starting center Kory Lichtensteiger on injured reserve and signed veteran John Sullivan.
Sullivan had been released by Minnesota in August after missing last season following a lumbar microdiscectomy prior to the 2015 season opener. He had a relapse during the season, leading to a second procedure on his back.
He was able to return and play this summer, and now the Redskins hope he's able to provide depth. Sullivan started all but three games between 2009 and 2014 and was considered a good run-blocker. The sixth-round pick out of Notre Dame became a full-time starter in his second season.
The Redskins needed more center depth after Lichtensteiger injured his calf and exited early in the third quarter of Sunday's 29-27 win over the New York Giants. He was replaced by Spencer Long, in his third season but first at center.
Last season, Lichtensteiger missed 11 games because of nerve damage in his shoulder. He had been the Redskins' starting center since 2013.
The Redskins, who did not have another center in the organization after Long, also have injury issues at left guard. Shawn Lauvao sprained his right ankle Sunday and Long also was the No. 1 backup at that position as well.
If Lauvao can't play, the Redskins could use second-year player Arie Kouandjio in his place. With Long at center and Kouandjio inactive, Pro Bowl tackle Trent Williams had to play at guard for most of the second half Sunday.
