For the second time in his short career, Xavier Nixon will have a chance to prove to the Washington Redskins that he belongs in the NFL. The Redskins claimed Nixon off waivers, according to the NFL's transaction wire Friday.
The Colts cut Nixon this the week. He did not play well for them in the four games he appeared in this season, including one start, and then missed the team flight to New England for the AFC Championship Game. Nixon missed time this past season after having knee surgery in training camp; he was placed on injured reserve/designated return and came back in November.
The Redskins originally signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2013, but cut him in August and placed him on their practice squad. Indianapolis signed him a few weeks later, then cut him after a month and signed him to the practice squad. The Redskins' staff that initially worked with him is gone, so it's not as if he's returning to anyone familiar (save for offensive coordinator Sean McVay).
Nixon has always had the look of a pro tackle, with long arms and athleticism. But consistency and technique have never been his forte, which is why he has struggled to stick with a team.
