The Redskins had to play almost all of last season without linebacker Brian Orakpo, but it sounds like he’s well on his way toward being ready to play when next season gets underway.
Orakpo, who tore his left pectoral muscle in the second week of the 2012 season, said that he’s looking forward to getting back after NFC East quarterbacks after plenty of rehab time spent getting himself back to 100 percent. Orakpo said that he’s back to that level and explained to CSN Washington why he thinks he can be even better after the long layoff.
“Health is great,” Orakpo said. “I’m good, man, I’m feeling great. Rehab has been going tremendously well. I’m 100 percent … to be honest, I’m great, man, my body is feeling even better than what it was before as far as conditioning and strength-wise. Because one thing when you get hurt is you get to work on all the little muscles that you have a tendency to [overlook].”
Orakpo didn’t say whether the team will limit him at all during offseason workouts or OTAs, but he should be full speed ahead for camp and the preseason. The Redskins defense found its footing down the stretch last season, but there’s little doubt that the unit would be better with Orakpo’s pass rushing ability added to the mix. All indications are that they’ll have a full serving of it as they get to work on defending their NFC East title.