Heyer will Start against Giants

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On a side note it appears that this demotion is likely to stick as Jansen is listed as backup Right Tackle on the depth chart.

Heyer Named Starter At Right Tackle

Now Heyer has secured a position in the 2008 starting lineup.

“I’m excited to play,” Heyer said. “I have an opportunity to go out and play a big game. It’s the season opener and a lot of people will be watching.”


Heyer had entered training camp as the primary backup to left tackle Chris Samuels. He moved over to play right tackle in the preseason finale against Jacksonville as Jansen sat out with a foot injury.

Heyer’s performance in that game solidified his spot as the starter.

“I was prepared for anything, because so many things have happened for me,” Heyer said. “I viewed it as, ‘If you just go in and play your game, then whatever happens, happens.’

“It’s the coach’s decision to do what they feel is necessary for the team. All you can do is sit there and take it.”

Jansen, the longest tenured Redskin having joined the team in 1999, admitted he was “disappointed” to be benched.

“I still believe myself to be the right tackle here,” he said. “But it’s not going to be that way on Thursday and that’s what I have to deal with.”

On the team’s depth chart, Jansen is now listed as the backup right tackle to Heyer.

Jansen said his foot injury this preseason “is not an issue." He participated fully in Sunday’s practice, even lining up at left guard for one drill.

Zorn said he empathized with Jansen’s feelings on the matter. Getting demoted is something that Zorn experienced late in his playing career with the Seattle Seahawks.

“It can be trying,” Zorn said. “Things change, and now Jon has to be able to live up to that and keep working hard. He has to know that it’s not over for him.

“This is the ultimate team sport. He has to continue to help and push and be a pro. He has seen a lot of guys come and go. He’s not gone. He has to be ready.”