Tom Compton replaces Tyler Polumbus at right tackle for Redskins

While much of the focus has been on who will start at quarterback for the Redskins on Monday night, coach Jay Gruden has decided to make another offensive switch.

Gruden said Friday that Tom Compton will start at right tackle against the Dallas Cowboys in place of Tyler Polumbus, who has struggled mightily in pass protection this season. Compton started the first two drives of the second half Sunday against the Tennessee Titans and alternated with Polumbus the rest of the game.

“He played well against Tennessee in the reps that he got,” Gruden said. “So we’re going to give him an opportunity to start. Still, Tyler will be ready to roll and Morgan [Moses]. We’ve just got to decide who’s going to be active as far as the extra tackle’s concerned.”

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Compton, who is listed at 6 feet 5 and 308 pounds, has appeared in all of Washington’s seven games this season and played in 15 games last year, primarily in a special teams role. Monday will mark his first professional start.

This season, Compton has been the team’s swing tackle, serving as the backup to both Polumbus and left tackle Trent Williams on game days. On Sunday against Tennessee, Compton was told only that he would begin the second half at right tackle, not that he would play the majority of the half.

“I thought that would be it, and then I got put back in again, so it was time to focus up and lock it down,” Compton said after Sunday’s game. “I couldn’t be more happy.”

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Polumbus was listed on Friday’s injury report with a knee injury, though he was a full participant in practice. His demotion was likely due to his struggles in pass protection. He has been at least partially responsible for many of Washington’s 14 sacks allowed this year.

The frequent sacks and pressure Sunday prompted Gruden to make a change. Compton made the most of his opportunity, and now he’ll have another.

“Tom’s done a nice job,” offensive coordinator Sean McVay said. “He’s gotten a bunch of experience playing both right and left [tackle] over the last couple of seasons. He’s a confident guy.”