Washington Redskins rookie wide receiver Terry McLaurin and rookie linebacker Cole Holcomb were held out of Thursday’s preseason loss against the Cincinnati Bengals for precautionary reasons.
McLaurin is dealing with a tailbone injury. Meanwhile, Holcomb has an AC joint injury in his shoulder.
McLaurin has played just one snap through the first two preseason games. While initially it may appeared his status on the depth chart was being indirectly confirmed, it appears an injured tailbone is keeping him out of action.
Thursday was supposed to be a huge opportunity for Holcomb. With starting inside linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton ruled out with a chest injury, Holcomb was expected to start at Mo linebacker and possibly play Mike linebacker with the second unit.
However, neither happened and it turned into a missed opportunity.
Instead Josh Harvey-Clemons got the nod in Holcomb’s place. Despite leaving the game to get his knee checked out, Harvey-Clemons finished with a game-high eight tackles.
Fans and media have been clamoring to see both McLaurin and Holcomb on the field.
McLaurin has been better than advertised. Head coach Jay Gruden has raved about him. He has been a highlight reel throughout training camp. All that is left to see is him displaying it on the football field in a game. Unfortunately, right now anticipation is all that’s there.
Holcomb, a fifth-round pick, has been an intriguing option for a weakened inside linebacker position. While Jon Bostic and Hamilton are slated to be the starting linebackers in Week 1, Holcomb has a chance to get snaps and work his way into rotation. Just Thursday was a missed opportunity. Gruden told reporters he expects Holcomb to play next week against Atlanta.
