The main goal of the preseason finale is to get out of the game healthy without injuries, especially for a player that is set to make the final 53-man roster. Unfortunately, the Redskins were unable to accomplish that as outside linebacker Cassanova McKinzy was ruled out of Thursday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens with a concussion.
McKinzy has made a name for himself in Washington’s training camp and preseason. Many expect him to be one of four edge/outside linebackers to make the 53-man roster alongside Ryan Kerrigan, first-round pick Montez Sweat, and Ryan Anderson.
It’s hard to place a timetable on a concussion and he will have to clear the concussion protocol. With the regular season set to start in 11 days against Philadelphia, the Redskins may be faced with the challenge of having four healthy outside linebackers.
Presumably if McKinzy was not ready for Week 1 and his concussion wasn’t severe to the extent of him being placed on injured reserve, Washington may need to take five outside linebackers for the time being. That’s one roster spot taken at another position to accommodate the need of four pass rushers.
Seventh-round pick Jordan Brailford is expected to go on injured reserve to start the season and no other fifth outside linebacker has stuck out for the Redskins.
Certainly, fingers will be crossed for McKinzy, who is pegged to play a key role this season, to be healthy to return to the field as soon as possible.
