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Washington Redskins cornerback Quinton Dunbar continues to be hampered by a shin injury despite returning to the field in Thursday’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Dunbar had missed four of the Redskins’ previous five games before getting the start against the Cowboys.
He was strong in the first half, but as the game went on he regressed. And his play showed. Dunbar has also been dealing with a nerve issue within the injured leg.
“I think as the game went on it must have gotten a little worse,” Redskins head coach Jay Gruden said about Dunbar per Grant Paulsen of 106.7 the Fan. “…This is an [unique] deal when you are talking about the nerves.”
Dunbar was beat on a comeback route by Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper. Cooper was able to make a quick cut back up the field twisting around Dunbar in the process in route for a 40-yard touchdown that gave the Cowboys the lead for good at 17-13.
Quinton Dunbar fell down while being beaten inside by Aamari Cooper for the first down. Also notable from that 40-yard TD? Dunbar is not close to healthy. Very obvious watching him try to run after Cooper. #Redskins
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) November 22, 2018
One would have to consider Cooper’s move was so effective in large due to Dunbar’s condition with his nagging shin. Cooper would score another touchdown on a 90-yard reception in which he broke free from a tackle from Fabian Moreau. Nonetheless, Dunbar’s struggling health has hampered the progress of the Redskins’ defense.
Gruden says Dunbar got worse as the game went. They don’t really to know what to do with that injury because he felt fine and then obviously wasn’t.
— Craig Hoffman (@CraigHoffman) November 23, 2018
Prior to his injury, Dunbar was establishing himself playing opposite of Josh Norman. As an integral part of the Redskins’ defense, Dunbar had been able to check top receivers, allowing defensive coordinator Greg Manusky flexibility in pass coverage and not having to task Norman will shadowing a top receiver.
When Dunbar has been unable to play, the Redskins have turned to a combination of rookie cornerbacks Greg Stroman and Danny Johnson to mixed reviews.
The Redskins will be off this weekend with the exception of treatment before they resume practice Monday in preparation of their NFC East showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles on Dec. 3. Dunbar will have 10 days to be evaluated and treated before the Redskins’ next game.
