ASHBURN — Washington Redskins defensive end Jason Hatcher did not practice on Thursday because of a pinched nerve in his neck and an ankle injury, but coach Jay Gruden said he is optimistic about Hatcher’s availability for Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears.
“We’re going to wait a little bit on Hatch,” Gruden said. “We’re still optimistic about it, but if not, we have a couple of guys on the practice squad we can possibly bring up.
Running back Chris Thompson, strong safety Jeron Johnson (hamstring), defensive end Stephen Paea (toe sprain), and wide receiver Andre Roberts (knee) all did not practice. Roberts and Hatcher did conditioning drills off to the side during practice.
Thompson, who tore a labrum in his shoulder Monday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys, remains a concern.
“That’s a tough one. My level of optimism is not very high with him right now,” Gruden said. “There’s a chance he could play, but that’s a concern.”
Tight end Derek Carrier fully participated in practice — a good step towards a return to game action on Sunday. He was inactive against the Cowboys because of high left ankle and Achilles’ tendon sprains. Carrier played just three snaps in Week 12 against the New York Giants before he was injured.
“He ran around pretty well so I feel positive,” Gruden said. “We still have one more good day of practice but he felt good today. We’ll see how he does tomorrow morning with all the work and see if it swells up or not.”
Inside linebacker Will Compton, who has a shoulder sprain, was also a full participant. Inside linebacker Keenan Robinson (shoulder) and free safety Dashon Goldson (wrist/knee/hamstring) were both limited.
• Anthony Gulizia can be reached at agulizia@washingtontimes.com.
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