The Washington Redskins made it official: They activated nose tackle Barry Cofield off short-term injured reserve, giving them the line they hoped to have a long time ago.
To make room, the Redskins cut linebacker Jackson Jeffcoat. They could always re-sign him to the practice squad but, for now, they only have three outside linebackers on the roster: Ryan Kerrigan, Trent Murphy and Everette Brown. That's a thin group considering only Kerrigan has real experience. Murphy was a second-round pick in April, but clearly is still learning after taking over for injured Brian Orakpo. And Brown is more of a situational rusher than a full-time alternative should anything happen to Murphy or Kerrigan.
The Redskins were reluctant to cut a vested veteran because the remainder of their money would have counted against the salary cap -- and they were thin there with only $750,000 of available space.
But they are stocked along the defensive line with Cofield's return. His presence gives Washington seven defensive linemen, allowing the Redskins flexibility and providing needed depth. Chris Baker shifted from end to his more natural position of nose when Cofield suffered a high ankle sprain in the season opener. Cofield is a quicker nose tackle and the Redskins liked the pairing of him inside and Baker at left end. But this also gives them flexibility when it comes to nickel rush situations and they use two interior pass-rushers.
