ASHBURN — Washington Redskins cornerback Chris Culliver did not participate in Thursday’s practice at Redskins Park after injuring his leg in Wednesday’s session.
Culliver was limited on Wednesday after feeling some soreness in his left knee, as well as his quad and groin areas. After Wednesday’s practice, coach Jay Gruden said his limited availability was, “precautionary, I believe, I’m hoping.”
The fact that Culliver he was not practicing Thursday could be a cause for concern for his availability on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Cornerback DeAngelo Hall is expected to be out three to four weeks after sustaining a Grade 2 toe sprain in last Thursday’s 32-21 loss to the New York Giants. The Redskins also placed corner Justin Rogers on injured reserve on Tuesday with a plantar fasciitis injury that kept him inactive the first three games.
The Redskins signed practice squad cornerback Quinton Dunbar to the active roster on Tuesday to add to the secondary depth. Dunbar, who was signed as an undrafted free agent from Florida in May, converted from wide receiver to corner during training camp.
If Culliver is unable to play on Sunday against the Eagles, the Redskins will have just three healthy cornerbacks in Bashaud Breeland, Will Blackmon and Dunbar.
Blackmon, a slot corner, was signed on Sept. 15 to add depth to the thinning secondary when Culliver was suspended during Week 2 against the St. Louis Rams.
After Hall was injured against the Giants, the Redskins shifted Breeland to the outside and Blackmon played 29 defensive snaps as the nickel corner.
Blackmon would likely play the slot again on Sunday with Breeland and Dunbar playing outside. On Wednesday, the 6-foot-1 Dunbar said he has only practiced as an outside corner.
The Redskins also have strong safety Kyshoen Jarrett, who played 39 defensive snaps against the Rams as the nickel corner when Culliver was suspended. Blackmon, who had joined the team six days before that game, only played five defensive snaps.
Redskins receiver DeSean Jackson (left hamstring strain) was also not at Thursday’s practice for the second consecutive day. Jackson, who sustained the injury in the season opener, was expected to miss three to four weeks.
After last Thursday’s 32-31 loss to the New York Giants, Gruden said, “there is a chance,” Jackson returns against the Philadelphia Eagles this weekend, though it seems unlikely.
• Anthony Gulizia can be reached at agulizia@washingtontimes.com.
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