Redskins' Meriweather out 2-4 weeks with sprained knee

Brandon Meriweather is expected to start for the Redskins after getting just four starts with the Bears last season.

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ASHBURN, Va. (AP) -- Washington Redskins strong safety Brandon Meriweather will miss the season opener against the New Orleans Saints because of sprained ligaments in his left knee.

Coach Mike Shanahan said Wednesday that Meriweather hurt the knee in practice on Monday. He could be out from two to four weeks.

Meriweather, a two-time Pro Bowl pick, was signed as a free agent in March. He originally hurt the knee in the first quarter of a preseason game against Chicago on Aug. 18.

Reed Doughty or D.J. Gomes are the possible replacements for Meriweather. Last week, Redskins safety Tanard Jackson was suspended for the season after a failed drug test.

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