Veteran punter Hunter Smith to get workout

[Dirtbag59]

Now time to find a way to bring back Red Snapper and then the 4-3!

Veteran punter Hunter Smith is headed back to Redskins Park.
Smith, among the team's top performers regardless of position last season, is scheduled to work out for the team on Tuesday at the complex, a person familiar with the situation said late Sunday night.

The Redskins declined to offer Smith, 33, a contract despite his impressive performance last season, opting to sign veteran punter Josh Bidwell, who was the only punter on the roster through training camp and the preseason. But Bidwell suffered a hip injury during pregame warmups Sunday before Washington's 30-16 loss to the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome.

After finishing worst in the league in punting in 2008, the Redskins had a top unit during the 2009 season. With the highest net average (36.8 yards) of a Redskins punter in 10 seasons, Smith played a key role in the improvement of the coverage team with effective hang time.

Washington allowed no punts to be blocked, and Smith, who was a positive influence in the locker room, rushed for one touchdown and passed for another. Smith's teammates often spoke of what a difference it was to have him on the field.

The team's punters during the 2008 season - Durant Brooks and Ryan Plackemeier - were wildly inconsistent, making life especially difficult for special teams coordinator Danny Smith. With Hunter Smith at the position, the Redskins' coverage team suddenly didn't look so bad.

Washington was among the NFL leaders in fair catch percentage and other coverage statistics, members of the former coaching staff said after last season. The Redskins did not give up any punt returns for touchdowns.

By Jason Reid | September 27, 2010; 6:00 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (19)