Washington Football Team: 3 replacements for Jon Bostic after season-ending injury

It’s not outlandish to say the Washington Football Team saved their season on Sunday. They sit at 2-2 through four weeks and have a chance to get over .500 before they hit the unforgiving portion of their schedule.

Unfortunately for Washington, the victory came at a cost, as several players left the game due to injury. The biggest names that went down included Brandon Scherff, who’s expected to miss multiple weeks with an MCL sprain, and Logan Thomas, who’s week-to-week with a hamstring injury.

Elsewhere, Torry McTyer suffered a torn ACL, so he’s done for the year. Cam Sims is dealing with hamstring soreness, and we’re still awaiting updates to learn the severity of Dyami Brown’s knee issue.

Washington also suddenly has a hole at linebacker after it was confirmed that Jon Bostic suffered a season-ending pec injury. LB has bene an issue all season, set’s highlight some potential replacements for the 31-year-old vet.

Washington Football: 3 replacements for Jon Bostic

3. Khaleke Hudson

We’ll start with an internal option, because it seems like Khaleke Hudson stands to get the most reps with Bostic likely out for the year.

A fifth-round pick out of Michigan in the 2020 draft, Hudson appeared in all 16 games as a rookie. However, he made just two starts and played a grand total of 51 snaps, across which he managed 14 tackles (two for loss) and a QB hit.

The second-year pro is largely unproven, but he hails from a Michigan program that’s been a factory in terms of producing elite defensive prospects. Hudson really popped as a sophomore in Ann Arbor, when he tallied 17.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks, so he has real difference-maker potential. Those numbers are nothing to sniff at, as the Big Ten is arguably the deepest conference top to bottom in college football.

Hudson has limitations in coverage, but he could be useful as a run-filler and in blitzing situations. We’re not expecting him to log a huge snap count on Sunday, but his role could grow if he impresses in limited opportunities.

2. Reuben Foster

With Jamie Collins nearing a deal with the Patriots — his third (!) go around with the six-time champs — the free agent market is fully bereft of marquee talents. It’s unfortunate for Washington, but not all that surprising considering we’re entering Week 5 of the campaign.

At this stage, you’re mostly looking at aging journeymen, practice squad stashes or former touted prospects that never quite panned out in the NFL. That brings us to Reuben Foster. Anyone intrigued by throwing a dart at the 27-year-old?

The former first-round pick has been out of the league since 2018, but he worked out for Cleveland as recently as last month, so he’s clearly looking for an opportunity. It is worth noting, though, that Foster has his fair share of off-the-field demons.

Washington actually claimed Foster off waivers in 2018 after the 49ers released him following a domestic violence arrest, so it’s not like the franchise wouldn’t know what its getting into. He didn’t play again that season, but was in position to fight for a roster spot on the 2019 defense. However, he suffered a major knee injury in his first practice and Washington opted against re-signing him that offseason.

While it’s risky to sign a player who hasn’t appeared in an NFL game in nearly three years, Foster is one of the top options available. People forget he was extremely productive for San Francisco, tallying 101 tackles (10 for loss), seven QB hits, and two passes defended over 16 games.

Think about it like this. The linebacker position has been a disaster for Washington and Foster qualifies as a low-risk, high-reward signing. If he pans out, great. If he doesn’t, would anybody really be surprised?

The least Washington can do is bring him in for a workout.

1. Benardrick McKinney

This one might come as a surprise, but Benardrick McKinney is probably the best fit for Washington as far as free agents are concerned.

A former second-round pick of the Texans, McKinney has graded out extremely well in coverage throughout his career. Speaking strictly in terms of the last three seasons, he averaged a respectable 67.1 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus. For comparison’s sake, Bostic logged a 29.4 grade this season before his injury.

To put it simply, McKinney could be a revelation for Washington at the inside linebacker position. He has a Pro Bowl on his resume (2018) and is just a well-rounded defender. The 28-year-old isn’t renowned for getting after the quarterback, but he could wreak havoc as a situational pass rusher in sub packages.

McKinney was traded to the Dolphins in the offseason, but he was shockingly cut before Miami submitted its 53-man roster. He’s been braving the free agent waters ever since, and we’re not entirely sure how he hasn’t been signed.

If Washington is serious about fixing their defense and finding a replacement for Bostic — which they should’ve been kicking the tires on anyway before the injury given the performances he was turning in — McKinney should be their top choice.

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