Redskins DL Stacy McGee could begin 2018 season on PUP list

The Redskins’ stout defensive line rotation may have taken a hit earlier this offseason.

The Washington Redskins signed two defensive linemen in free agency in 2017, giving a four-year deal to former Dallas Cowboys standout Terrell McClain, and a five-year deal worth an average annual salary of $5 million to Stacy McGee, who played with the Raiders before his stint in the nation’s capital.

Fast forward to July of 2018, and McClain is off the roster, signed as a castoff by the Atlanta Falcons, and McGee, having survived a chaotic first season, may not be ready to play for the regular season. Per Rich Tandler of NBC Sports Mid-Atlantic, McGee could start the season on the Physically Unable to Perform, or PUP, list.

McGee had core muscle surgery earlier in the offseason, and it was revealed recently that he would not be ready to participate in training camp. Now, Jay Gruden and the Redskins have doubled down on that statement. McGee’s timetable for a return could be longer than previously thought.

The injury to McGee is something the Redskins wouldn’t have been able to withstand last year. But with the newfound depth on the defensive line, it’s an unfortunate occurrence that the Redskins can rebound from. Behind the team’s top four defensive linemen, Jonathan Allen, Matt Ioannidis, Daron Payne, and Anthony Lanier, the Redskins have Ziggy Hood and Phil Taylor in the wings, both of whom have the confidence of the coaching staff.

On the flip side, having $5 million on the books, but not on the field, is a concern. For that reason, the Redskins likely won’t stash McGee on the injured reserve, and instead help him along with his recovery. There’s still a chance that he could be ready for the regular season, but at this point, it’s going to be close, and if they want to play it safe after last year, there’s a chance McGee will get a late start.

Luckily for the Redskins, the defensive line has looked strong, nonetheless. Daron Payne and Phil Taylor were two players who stood out in training camp yesterday, and as camp moves along, there’s bound to be more developments. McGee’s injury could be a call to action for others to step up, like Phil Taylor, who’s been regarded as a roster long shot all offseason. Here at Riggo’s Rag, we’ll keep you in the loop with any more updates on the health of McGee and others.