Report: Redskins Su’a Cravens to have surgery, eyeing week one return

Su’a Cravens suffered a knee injury in the Redskins preseason loss against the Baltimore Ravens. He’ll reportedly undergo surgery as a result. But it’s not as bad as it sounds.

Normally when a player opts to have surgery, it’s a catastrophic blow. Seasons are ended by surgery. But not for Su’a Cravens. He’ll have a minor operation on his damaged knee, and come week one of the regular season, he should be ready to go, per Adam Schefter.

Cravens has spent the entire offseason preparing to be the starter at the strong safety position, opposite free agent acquisition D.J. Swearinger. The duo is projected to bring newfound talent, youth, and tenacity to the Redskins secondary, something they’ve lacked in recent years.

Although Cravens will miss the remainder of preseason, the injury shouldn’t hinder his transition from linebacker to safety. He was a hybrid last year and all through college, so he likely had a foundation of knowledge at the position coming into the offseason. He’ll lose valuable football reps, but he’ll gain back his health, something that is of dire importance, not just to him, but to his team.

In the wake of Cravens’ absence, the reserve safeties at his position will now get more chances to show what they can bring to the team. Recently cleared for full practice, Montae Nicholson drastically needs the preseason reps to catch up on the experience he’s lost. During Nicholson’s medical leave, undrafted rookie Fish Smithson has leapt ahead on the depth chart. Both young players will need the preseason to further their case for roster spots.

All things considered, Cravens’ injury is not serious, and it also gives the Redskins a chance to get extended looks at roster hopefuls. The hope is that Cravens returns at full speed in week one, and reports are suggesting that it isn’t just blind hope. He very well could be back that soon.

Next: Nico Marley: Small player with a big chance at the roster

In the meantime, keep an eye on the players who will take his place in the coming weeks. There’s a battle going on at backup safety, and not all participants will be on the roster come week one. The Redskins play the Green Bay Packers on Saturday at 7:30 PM. The high-flying cheeseheads are the next test for the Redskins’ young secondary. They’ll be one man short. But the next men up have a case to make.