ASHBURN, Va. -- The Washington Redskins already were contemplating changes at two positions. A third position can be added to the list.

Redskins coach Jay Gruden said Thursday that “it’s conceivable” newly signed center Brian de la Puente will start against the Saints, his former team, on Sunday. The Redskins signed de la Puente on Tuesday after placing Kory Lichtensteiger on injured reserve/designated to return.

The Redskins are also contemplating changes at inside linebacker and safety. Both of those were discussed Monday.

Josh LeRibeus, a guard for his first three seasons, has worked at center since training camp opened in July and started the [ast three games in place of Lichtensteiger.

“His blocking has been pretty good in pass protection,” Gruden said of LeRibeus. “In the run game, he’s had his share of issues. But the big thing and the biggest concern is the location of the shotgun snaps. They’re all over the place. We messed up a few snap counts, which gave [the Patriots] their only sack. ... Everything else he’s done a pretty good job for being a first-time center.”

But not good enough to prevent de la Puente from possibly taking his place. De la Puente started six games last season for the Bears before tearing tendons in his ankle, which did not fully heal until late spring. He said teams contacted him, but de la Puente did not want to sign with anyone until he was fully healthy, fearing it would reduce his chances of making a roster.

“It got frustrating, but every week I kept reminding myself the opportunity will come and I have to be ready because I’ll regret it if I’m not,” de la Puente said.

Brian de la Puente, who the Redskins just signed on Tuesday, may start against the Saints this week. AP Photo/Scott Boehm

De la Puente was a starter with the Saints for three seasons.

“He was great, I loved Brian,” Saints quarterback Drew Brees said. “He did a really great job for us. He was a part of some really good offenses with us and extremely dependable. A guy I had a great rapport with. He’s an extremely smart and intelligent guy, very easy to get on the same page with. He’ll pick up the system well and he’s a great locker room guy.”

The Redskins also might start Will Compton at inside linebacker for Perry Riley Jr. Keenan Robinson did not practice Wednesday because of a shoulder/neck issue, but any change likely would be performance-related and not due to injury. Riley has struggled this season, and he did not record a single tackle against the Patriots. He was in position to make several tackles at or near the line of scrimmage, but missed.

“We’re waiting to see how Keenan is going to do, but we anticipate Will playing a lot,” Gruden said.

The other change would be at safety, where Gruden said Jeron Johnson or Kyshoen Jarrett would replace Trenton Robinson. Johnson replaced Robinson in Sunday’s loss to New England, but Jarrett also took some snaps at safety (which he played in college).

Jarrett has served mostly as a slot corner. But if the Redskins are fully healthy at corner, then it allows him to help elsewhere. It’s debatable if the Redskins are fully healthy at corner, but if nothing else they’ll have three veterans available: Chris Culliver, Bashaud Breeland and Will Blackmon. Breeland can cover in the slot.