When the Washington Redskins season began, many D.C. hopefuls thought the year would be promising. Opening the season with a record of 5-2, fans thought the Redskins were heading towards an NFC East division title and spot in the playoffs.

However, a sharp turn of events has hurt the team dramatically. Starting quarterback Alex Smith went down with a broken fibula and tibia. The 34 year old quarterback was placed on injured reserve and could potentially be done for his career.

“The injuries all over the team really hurt them,” senior Abu El Sadeg said.

The offensive line and defensive secondary has been riddled with injuries as well. The Redskins misfortune with injuries began before the season started when rookie running back Derrius Guice suffered a season ending achilles injury.

The injury bug bit the Redskins again on Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles when backup quarterback Colt McCoy suffered a season ending leg injury. He was replaced by veteran Mark Sanchez as the Redskins went on to be defeated by the Eagles by a score of 28-13.

Currently 6-6, the Redskins have fallen from first place in the NFC East to the third. The Dallas Cowboys currently lead with a record of 7-5.

After starting strong defeating teams such as the Arizona Cardinals 24-6 and the Green Bay Packers 31-17, the Redskins generated a lot of hype. The team losing four of their last five has left fans with an empty feeling for the season.

“Looking at how the year started, I really thought they were headed to being successful in the playoffs,” senior Idris Dahir said.

Dropping from being a division leader to back into the hunt for a playoff spot has been sudden. With their loss to the Eagles, the Redskins odds of snagging a playoff spot are slim to none.

Despite what seemed to be a different start to a season that was going to be better than their typical mediocrity, injuries have rendered the Redskins back to their status quo. Fans will have to wait another season to see the production and success of a roster that started strong this year.

“I’m excited to see how the season and the next will end up playing out for the Skins,” Dahir said.