Reports: Josh Norman likely to play on Sunday vs. Dallas Cowboys
The Washington Redskins have been banged up over the course of the past couple weeks. It appears that they are going to be getting back Josh Norman this week.
Since injuring his ribs in the Redskins Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Josh Norman has been on the verge of returning a couple times. Initially, the injury was thought to keep him out for 3-4 weeks, but Norman kept trying to push the envelop and play earlier. He logged a couple of limited practices before being declared out last week against the Eagles. The expectation was that he could probably be back for the Week 8 matchup with the Cowboys.
On Friday, it was confirmed that Norman is very likely to be active for the contest. Per NFL Network’s Jane Slater, Norman is going to be suiting up on Sunday barring a setback. This is big news for the team, as the matchup that Norman has this week is an important one.
On Sunday, Norman is going to be playing against Dez Bryant for most of the day. Bryant is one of the better receivers in the NFL, and he has had success against the Redskins defensive backs before. In Week 2 of the 2016 season, Bryant torched Bashaud Breeland relentlessly when former defensive coordinator Joe Barry decided to isolate Norman on one side of the field. Bryant beat Breeland so badly that Norman started shadowing Bryant in the second half of the contest.
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The Redskins might have been able to cover Bryant better without Norman this time around. After all, Breeland has improved this season and Quinton Dunbar has proven to be a solid starter as well. But getting back Norman gives the Redskins a security blanket as they know that he will be able to put very strong coverage on Bryant and limit the productivity of him and Dak Prescott.
Getting Norman back also helps because of the other injuries that the Redskins have dealt with. Fabian Moreau is currently dealing with a hamstring injury and Breeland is also dealing with a minor knee injury. Bringing back Norman will give that duo more of an opportunity to take a breather if needed. And, of course, it will take the pressure of being a No. 1 corner off Breeland.
Next: Redskins matchups to watch in Week 8 vs. Cowboys
Overall, getting Norman back is great news for the Redskins. He is one of the best cornerbacks in the league and the defense could really use him right now. If he’s 100 percent, the Redskins defense will immediately be playing at a higher level.