Redskins News: Josh Norman’s injury will keep him out for 4 weeks

Josh Norman suffered a rib injury during the Redskins loss the to the Chiefs. While many hoped that he would be able to return in Week 6, he will be out for longer.

The Washington Redskins were dealt a major blow to their defense on Friday afternoon. Four days after Josh Norman hurt his ribs against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Redskins star cornerback got an official diagnosis on the impact the injury would have on his ability to play.

Norman didn’t just suffer a rib fracture. He also had minor damage done to his lungs as a result of the hit. This compounded the issues that he is having and it will keep him out for a longer period of time. Norman took to Twitter to tell fans that he would in fact be out for the next four weeks as he recovers from the fracture and lung issues. This is a going to greatly hurt the Redskins defense, as Norman is arguably their best player on the defensive side of the ball.

In 2017, opposing quarterbacks have mostly avoided throwing at Norman. Instead, they were focusing on targeting Bashaud Breeland and Kendall Fuller, both of who were inconsistent in 2016. However, the duo greatly improved in the offseason and allowed the Redskins cornerbacks to continue to put up excellent coverage across all three main corner positions. Without Norman, that will get harder.

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As long as Norman is out, Breeland is going to be tasked with serving as the No. 1 corner. While Breeland has been terrific this year, he was frequently torched by opposing No. 1 receivers early last year, and that rattled him. He lacked confidence for most of last year which impacted his play. The Redskins have to hope that he has racked up some confidence from his play in the first month of this season and that he will be able to take over as the No. 1 guy.

Across from him, the team seems likely to march out Quinton Dunbar as the starter. Dunbar has been the primary backup for the team in each of the last two seasons. He fared well in 2016 as a starter when Breeland was hurt, but he is definitively a downgrade from Norman. Dunbar needs to make sure that he holds up as best as he can. If he struggles, the Redskins may be better off throwing rookie Fabian Moreau into the fire to get him experience while keeping Dunbar in a role that he can excel in.

If Norman does indeed miss the next four weeks, that would put him on track to potential return for the team’s Week 9 matchup with the Seahawks. He would miss three games against the 49ersr, Eagles, and Cowboys. The Redskins can likely get by the 49ers without him, as their top receiver is former Redskin Pierre Garcon. Breeland should be able to cover him well enough and the team lacks a No. 2 receiver.

However, the matchups with Philadelphia and Dallas will be a bit more difficult. The Eagles have a much improved receiving corps and while the Redskins were able to limit them in Week 1, either Nelson Agholor or Alshon Jeffery should have a big game. Meanwhile, Dallas has Dez Bryant who gave Breeland fits last year. So Norman will be missed in that contest for sure.

Next: Redskins defensive grades for first four weeks

Overall, this is a major loss for the Redskins defense. Norman is a tough player and has really been a difference maker for the defense. Without him, they are worse. They may be able to hold up, but being without him for two divisional matchups could cause the team a lot of problems.