Last Sunday, it was reported a healthy Josh Norman was going to be inactive against the Detroit Lions. However, at the eleventh hour, Norman was active but relegated to special teams.
A separate report and interim head coach Bill Callahan contradicted the reports, saying Norman was dealing with numerous injuries and the decision to play was up to the veteran cornerback.
However, Wednesday Callahan was singing a different tune, saying Norman is healthy but will not start in Week 13 against his former team the Carolina Panthers.
Norman was replaced by Jimmy Moreland in the top-3 cornerbacks for the Redskins. That will be the same case this week against Carolina.
Norman played his first four seasons with the Panthers. He made the Pro Bowl and All-Pro Team in his final year with Carolina (2015). The Panthers initially placed the franchise tag on him but ultimately rescinded the tag, making him a free agent.
He eventually signed a five-year deal worth $75 million with the Redskins in 2016.
In his fourth season with the Redskins, Norman’s struggles have come to a height. He was benched in Week 11’s loss to the New York Jets after two Sam Darnold touchdowns were in Norman’s area.
With the benching, the chances of Washington parting ways with 32-year cornerback are increasing. If they choose to cut ties with Josh Norman, who they tried to trade this season, Washington will save $12.5 million of cap space for 2020.
