The Washington Redskins placed safety Montae Nicholson on injured reserve Tuesday with the rookie still in concussion protocol.
In a corresponding move, the Redskins promoted safety Fish Smithson from the practice squad to the active roster.
Nicholson, who was drafted in the fourth round out of Michigan State, has been dealing with a concussion since Nov. 19. He missed four straight games and Redskins coach Jay Gruden revealed Monday that he was still dealing with symptoms.
With his rookie year now over, Nicholson appeared in eight games, starting in six of them. He emerged as a solid option in place of Su’a Cravens, who left the Redskins before the season started, and next to D.J. Swearinger.
But Nicholson struggled to stay healthy. He also dealt with injuries to his shoulders, causing him to miss two games.
After undergoing shoulder surgery in March, Nicholson missed all of the Redskins’ OTAs and training camp. He rejoined Washington before their second preseason game on Aug. 19 against the Green Bay Packers, but was sore throughout the year.
Nicholson’s concussion occurred in a loss to the New Orleans Saints on Nov. 19 in the first quarter. Gruden said on Dec. 4 the rookie was cleared to practice. But Nicholson suffered a setback two days later.
“Any time you have that size, speed, that range that he has, it’s a great luxury to have when he’s available,” Gruden said.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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