Redskins lose Brian Orakpo, Adam Carriker for the season

Devastating news for the Washington Redskins on Monday:

Both defensive end Adam Carriker and outside linebacker Brian Orakpo are out for the season because of injuries suffered in Sunday’s loss at St. Louis.

Carriker sustained a torn tendon in his quadriceps, and Orakpo came away with a pectoral tear. Both will undergo surgery, and both are finished for the year, Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan told reporters, with Carriker needing about five months to recover, and Orakpo needing four.

Orakpo led the team with nine sacks last season, and had a career-high 59 tackles and three forced fumbles. He’s also known for starring in insurance commercials with the Geico caveman.

“We all know what ‘Rak has done for our defense and how well he’s played,” Shanahan said.

Carriker, who took over for the injured Jarvis Jenkins last season, finished with a career-high 5 1/2 sacks.

Losing those defensive fixtures is a big setback for a franchise that appears to be on the rise with the addition of No. 2 overall pick Robert Griffin III, the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from Baylor.

The Redskins play host to Cincinnati on Sunday.

ALSO:

It’s Week 2 but things are already out of place

NFL chat: Sam Farmer and Mark Thompson on Week 2

NFL rookie quarterbacks show big improvements in Week 2