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Redskins News: Safety Su’a Cravens will not return in 2017

By Jacob Camenker

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 31: Defensive back Su'a Cravens #36 of the Washington Redskins warms up before the start of an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 31, 2016 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 31: Defensive back Su'a Cravens #36 of the Washington Redskins warms up before the start of an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 31, 2016 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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Su’a Cravens was expected to return to the Washington Redskins on Tuesday. In a sharp turn, the team officially placed him on the reserve/left squad list, ending his season.

Just before the start of the 2017 NFL season, Su’a Cravens‘ name hit the news for an unexpected reason. The second year player was converting to the safety position after spending his rookie year at the linebacker spot, and was widely expected to be a key piece in the team’s revamped defense.

However, Cravens told his teammates that he wanted to retire seemingly out of the blue and was not on the 53-man roster to start the season. Cravens apparently was dealing with some issues and was trying to decide whether or not to continue playing. According to sources, Cravens had planned to return to the team on Tuesday, but the saga took another twist on Monday.

The Redskins official Twitter sent out a release that stated that Cravens would not return to the team in 2017. He was placed on the reserve/left squad list which will effectively end his season. Here is the full statement.

This is a blow for the Redskins, as Cravens is a talented player. At the same time, they have decent depth at the position and will have a chance to remain competitive without him.

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With Cravens out, Deshazor Everett had been starting in his place. On Sunday, Everett was eventually replaced on defense as he had issues in pass coverage. Still, he is a strong special teamer and good in run support, so he can be the No. 3 guy.

Now, it appears that rookie fourth round pick Montae Nicholson will get a chance to start. Nicholson is a raw, athletic player who has the tools to be an effective safety. He will have to show an ability to hold up in coverage in order to hold onto his job. If he succeeds early, that would greatly benefit the Redskins.

If the team needs depth for their roster, they have a few options. They have Fish Smithson on the practice squad and DeAngelo Hall on the PUP list, so either could be activated to improve their depth. For now, they are set with the four players that they have.

Next: Rob Kelley, Jordan Reed injury updates

Losing Cravens is still a big deal. Just a month ago, people would have expected the attention to be on his return to Los Angeles and the Coliseum for the first time in his NFL career. Instead, his future is now left up in the air as he tries to sort things out. This was not an ideal outcome for either side, but hopefully Cravens is able to straighten out his mind and make a decision that is beneficial for him and the team.

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