Redskins active edge rusher Jordan Brailford from PUP list

The Washington Redskins have activated edge rusher Jordan Brailford from the PUP list after he opened training camp there with an injury.

The Washington Redskins had to place a couple of their draft picks on the PUP and NFI lists to start training camp, as they weren’t ready for action quite yet. Fourth-round running back Bryce Love remains on the NFI list and is likely to start the season there as he recovers from an ACL tear.

Meanwhile, seventh-round edge rusher Jordan Brailford opened camp on the PUP list as he dealt with a groin injury. But now, it appears that Brailford will be back in action as of Saturday’s training camp session.

According to the Redskins official Twitter account, they have activated Brailford from the PUP list. The Oklahoma State product will give them extra depth at the rush linebacker position ahead of their Thursday-night preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns.

Brailford (6-foot-3, 252 pounds) spent four years at Oklahoma State and thrived as an edge rusher for them. In his final collegiate season, he logged 10 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, and 55 tackles overall. He should have the chance to be a strong but undersized edge setter who could emerge as a contributor if he improves his overall arsenal of pass-rushing moves.

The Redskins don’t have a lot of depth at the rush linebacker position as it stands. They drafted Montez Sweat in the first round and he should be the starting partner with Ryan Kerrigan while Ryan Anderson backs them up and serves as a run defender. However, for the fourth — and potentially, fifth — spots, the competition is wide open.

Cassanova McKinzy has demonstrated great speed rush ability in limited action with the Redskins and in camp, so he could get a look as the fourth guy there. Brailford will also get a chance to do so if fully healthy. And if both players perform well, they could both make the roster.

Elsewhere, the team just signed Garrett Sickels to the roster, so he could compete there and players like Marcus Smith, Marquis Flowers, and Myles Humphrey could also get a chance. These players are more likely to be roster longshots vying for practice squad spots, but perhaps one of them can surprise.

Obviously, it’s huge for Brailford that he is healthy and he should have a chance to compete for a role with the team. It will be interesting to see how quickly he can get back up to speed on the field and whether or not the ‘Skins will keep him or try to sneak him onto the practice squad.