The Washington Redskins reportedly will put down a new playing surface in June and then plan to re-sod the middle of FedEx Field in November, ESPN 980 reported Tuesday.
The Redskins were criticized for the condition of the turf at FedEx Field after quarterback Robert Griffin III suffered torn knee ligaments playing on the turf in the team's playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Defensive end Chris Clemons of the Seahawks also injured his knee.
ESPN 980 reported that the team discovered that the problem last season wasn't the playing surface but instead what was under it. A Redskins official told the radio station that a "layer of silt" formed underneath the turf, preventing water from getting to the roots and preventing proper drainage.
The team will put down a new playing surface on June 5, the radio station reported, citing team officials. The sod, called "Latitude 36," is currently being raised on the Maryland eastern shore.
The Redskins then reportedly plan to re-sod the middle of the field after the team plays the San Diego Chargers on Nov. 3. According to ESPN 980 it will be the first time in the history of FedEx Field that a re-sodding of the middle of the field during the season would be performed.
One Redskins official told the radio station that the team is taking the steps to improve the playing surface on its own.
"This is our decision, there was no mandate. Nobody's called us," the official told ESPN 980.