Williams reportedly expected to sit out season with blood clots

The Redskins' Mike Williams, expected to compete for a starting spot at right guard in training camp, will likely miss the entire 2010 season because of blood clots near his heart, reports The Washington Post.

The newspaper's sources indicate the Redskins are concerned that Williams' condition could be career-threatening, but Redskins senior vice president Tony Wyllie declined comment to The Post.

Williams was originally the second overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft by the Bills, but he was never able to live up to his draft status and washed out of the league after just five seasons, four spent in Buffalo and one in Jacksonville.

Encouraged by fellow Redskin guard Derrick Dockery to try a comeback, Williams latched on with Washington last season and moved from tackle to guard. After initially struggling, he was a bright spot on an otherwise disappointing 4-12 team, starting eight games.

Artis Hicks, Williams' main competition at right guard and a veteran tackle/guard, would presumably become the front runner for the starting job should Williams indeed have to sit out the season. Young guards Will Montgomery, Chad Rinehart and Edwin Williams also got starting experience last year and could be in the mix, but they have yet to distinguish themselves.