Redskins Moreau and Nicholson will not be placed on PUP list
By Ian Cummings
Things are looking up for two of the Redskins rookie defensive backs.
Both Fabian Moreau and Montae Nicholson have received the all-clear for limited participation in practice. Neither will be placed on the PUP list right away. Per Nora Princiotti of the Washington Times, both players have made enough progress to be considered well on their way to full health.
"Redskins rookie cornerback Fabian Moreau and safety Montae Nicholson will be at practice in Richmond Thursday, having gotten healthy enough to avoid the physically unable to play (PUP) list at the start of training camp.Coach Jay Gruden, speaking Wednesday just after players had finished their conditioning tests, said that both would probably be limited during camp but were ready to go for walkthroughs and individual work.“They’ll be limited as far as practicing contact,” Gruden said."
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Regardless of the limitations, this is a massive step in the right direction for both rookies. And it’s a step that wasn’t necessarily expected. Reports have been realistic at best pertaining to both injuries, and now that both players can hit the field and at least participate to an extent, fans can take a deep breath or two.
If Moreau can continue working back to health at this speed, he could be due for a key role as a rotational defensive back on the edge. Meanwhile, Nicholson is expected to battle for the backup strong safety slot behind Su’a Cravens. He’s a raw prospect with lots of potential, but his game film is less than spectacular.
This development is good for Moreau and Nicholson, but not so favorable for other roster hopefuls looking to use training camp as a final push. In particular, Josh Evans, Earl Wolff IV, and Fish Smithson will all now have to work harder to prove themselves to the Redskins’ staff. Now that Montae Nicholson appears to be close to full health, there is yet another player in at the competition for backup safety spots.
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Both players will need time to develop, and being healthy is the key to working on getting better. Luckily for these two rookies, they appear to be well on their way.