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Redskins should consider bringing back Pete Robertson after Cassanova McKinzy injury

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 17: Wide Receiver Brittan Golden #10 of the Arizona Cardinals is tackled linebacker Pete Robertson #45 of the Washington Redskins in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field on December 17, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 17: Wide Receiver Brittan Golden #10 of the Arizona Cardinals is tackled linebacker Pete Robertson #45 of the Washington Redskins in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field on December 17, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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The Washington Redskins saw another member of their team go down for the season on Thanksgiving. Cassanova McKinzy will miss the rest of the year, and the Redskins should look to fill his roster spot.

One of the better stories of the second half of the season so far was the emergence of Cassanova McKinzy. The former Auburn product made the leap from the Redskins practice squad to the 53-man roster just a couple of weeks ago, but he was able to be active on game days right away. He played a role on special teams and served as a speed rusher for the squad, and he looked like a potential diamond in the rough.

Unfortunately for McKinzy, his season ended on Thanksgiving. He tore a pectoral muscle and will likely be placed on Injured Reserve. That creates an extra roster spot for the Redskins, and it seems possible that they will use it on another outside linebacker.

For the past couple of weeks, Pernell McPhee has been a healthy scratch. The free agent acquisition doesn’t play special teams and is more of a physical player that can help set the edge in run defense. The Redskins have opted for younger, quicker talent at the position, so it seems that they may try to add a similar player to serve in that role as the fourth rush linebacker.

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If the Redskins do, in fact, choose to make a lateral move, there is one player that would make sense for their roster. And that’s preseason standout, Pete Robertson.

Robertson spent the offseason with the Redskins for the second season. The former practice squad player did suit up a couple of times for the team last year, but he is only remembered for downing a punt and then running it into the end zone. However, in the preseason, his athletic ability and edge rush potential were on display, and he really looked like a dark-horse candidate to make the roster.

Though Robertson didn’t make the roster and isn’t still with the organization, the front office should consider bringing him back now. He has upside and really is a similar player to McKinzy. At the very least, he could play a role on special teams, and his familiarity with the organization should provide an edge to him over other edge rusher options.

Some may also call for Junior Galette in this scenario, but remember that Galette doesn’t really do much in terms of special teams. And honestly, at this point in the season, the Redskins are better served to bring in younger players to develop for the future. And Robertson would check off that box.

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The team may not ultimately go with Robertson, but don’t be surprised if they do bring him back. He’s a familiar face who could be integrated into a role with the defense. And at this point in the season, that’s all you can ask for from a free agent pickup.

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