Report: Cassanova McKinzy (concussion) on track to play in Week 1
Cassanova McKinzy suffered a concussion in the Redskins’ final preseason game. However, he is reportedly on track to play in the first week of the season.
The Washington Redskins appear to have a quality rotation at the rush linebacker position. Ryan Kerrigan is one of the more consistent and underrated players in the NFL and has posted back-to-back 13 sack campaigns. Montez Sweat is a freaky-athletic first-round pick who could emerge as a top pass rushing option as he hones his game at the next level.
Ryan Anderson was one of the best run-stopping edge players in the league last season and should be a force against the run. And during the preseason, the Redskins saw Cassanova McKinzy step up in his second season with the Redskins. McKinzy showed excellent speed rush ability and bend while appearing to be a quality rotational option for the team.
However, there were some questions about McKinzy’s health heading into cutdown day on Saturday, as he had suffered a concussion in the team’s preseason finale against the Baltimore Ravens. Some thought that the Redskins might carry an extra pass rushing linebacker because of that. But now, it appears that McKinzy may be okay.
According to Craig Hoffman of 106.7 The Fan, McKinzy is “on tracK” to play in Week 1 for the Redskins.
Potentially massive news for the #Redskins.
— Craig Hoffman (@CraigHoffman) August 31, 2019
League source indicates OLB Cassanova McKinzy (concussion) is on track to be ready for Week 1. Obviously you never know with these things, but not having to add an OLB saves a roster spot. Would be HUGE for them.
Hoffman’s analysis is dead-on. Without the need to carry a fifth edge player, the team can afford to use some roster spots to keep an extra tight end, receiver, or safety as they look to better balance their roster. The team’s options beyond McKinzy were fairly weak with rookie seventh-round pick Jordan Brailford dealing with a groin issue, so not having to keep a player there is certainly good news.
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McKinzy will still need to be watched closely in the lead-up to the team’s Week 1 game. Concussions are tricky injuries and he will need to be cleared by an independent doctor before being able to play. But this is a positive development as he looks to get on the field and parlay a strong preseason into a sub-package rusher role with Washington.