Washington Redskins safety Montae Nicholson was absent from Monday’s start of OTAs. Nicholson’s absence was voluntary and not related to an injury or his off-the-field issues, according to head coach Jay Gruden
Last week, charges were dropped against Nicholson stemming from an altercation in December in Loudoun County, Va. He was charged for assault and battery and being drunk in public along with 24-year old Sydney Maggiore.
The two allegedly assaulted two victims after a verbal confrontation. Nicholson was immediately placed on the non-football injury list following the arrest.
While the charges were dropped, the Redskins are waiting for word from the NFL about his availability and any further discipline by the league.
“We just have to wait and see what happens with the league,” Gruden said per Tarik El-Bashir of the Athletic. “All I know is (the charges) were dropped and hopefully Montae will be a part of this team.”
When Nicholson returns to the team he will be expected to compete for the starting free safety position with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to see who will play alongside free-agent acquisition strong safety Landon Collins.
Nicholson was a fourth-round pick of the Redskins in the 2017 NFL Draft. Last season, he started seven games before losing his starting spot to Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.
