The Washington Redskins have made plans in case two key players can't play, but they're not about to move on.
So they'll wait to see what outside linebacker Junior Galette and safety DeAngelo Hall can do, once they're able to return from injuries. Redskins coach Jay Gruden said Galette is able to run and lift, but likely will be held out of team drills until training camp. At least that's what Gruden anticipates, saying it'll be up to the trainers and how Galette feels.
Galette hasn't played since 2014 after tearing his Achilles; one right before the 2015 season and the other one last summer shortly before training camp.
Hall tore his ACL in Week 3 last season, which is why Gruden said he might have to "start the season" on the physically unable to perform list. Training camp won't start until July 27, which would be 10 months since Hall injured his knee. Hall has missed 31 of the last 48 games because of various injuries.
"I don't have a target date for him," Gruden said.
The Redskins aren't relying on either players' return, having drafted outside linebacker Ryan Anderson in the second round last month and having signed safety D.J. Swearinger and moving Su'a Cravensto his more natural safety spot. They also have veteran Will Blackmon, who transitioned to safety last season, among others. Hall's play was inconsistent before getting hurt -- he was still learning the position after having played corner before the middle of the 2015 season -- so he'll need a return to health plus prove he deserves the starting job.
Hall will count $5.1 million on the salary cap, an expensive sum if he's not starting -- and even if he is able to do so. But the Redskins value his leadership and want to see what he still has left before making a final decision. They don't need the cap space right now.
Two years ago in camp Galette displayed the explosiveness that helped him record 22 sacks for the New Orleans Saints during the 2013 and 2014 seasons. If he's able to show that again, the Redskins would be ecstatic. With Anderson, Preston Smith and Trent Murphy, the Redskins have other choices at outside linebacker opposite Ryan Kerrigan.
Washington also has Houston Bates, but he tore his ACL in December. If Galette can show he's fully recovered, it would be a welcomed addition to the Redskins' pass rush -- and, more importantly, boost their ability to get off the field on third downs. Adding a pass-rusher was a priority entering the draft.
Last offseason, the Redskins didn't add anyone of impact along the front seven, hoping for Galette's return and a natural improvement from Smith. But Galette was injured again and Smith went from eight sacks as a rookie to four last year. Murphy, though, recorded a career-best nine sacks. However, he's suspended for the first four games after testing positive for performance enhancing drugs. They drafted Anderson because they wanted more from the position.
"We have depth there, which is very nice," Gruden said. "We can keep guys fresh."
