ASHBURN, Va. — When the Washington Redskins acquired safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix from the Green Bay Packers on Tuesday, it was worth wondering what the move meant for Montae Nicholson. The second-year safety had started all seven games this season and the Redskins appeared to be high on his potential.
As it turns out, Nicholson is banged up.
Coach Jay Gruden said Wednesday that Nicholson underwent a “small procedure” on his hip this week. Nicholson, who missed practice, was listed on the team’s injury report with a neck and a hip injury.
Gruden described the procedure as “normal.”
“Shouldn’t hopefully keep him out very long,” Gruden said. “He’s just a little sore [Wednesday]. We’ll gauge how he feels [Thursday] and hopefully get him ready.”
Nicholson has 34 tackles this year and one pass defense. He missed eight games in 2017 with various injuries, including a season-ending concussion.
In the meantime, Clinton-Dix will play Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons despite the short turnaround. Asked if Nicholson’s health was a factor in the trade, Gruden said the Redskins were more focused on getting a “great player.”
The Redskins sent back a fourth-round pick to the Packers for Clinton-Dix, who will be a free agent after this season.
“Whatever position that is, if you can add a good player to your football team, you have to do it,” Gruden said. “I know his contract is what it is, but he can really help us this year and that’s an important thing.”
When Nicholson returns, he figures to slide into a backup role. It remains to be seen how often the Redskins are willing to put three safeties on the field at the same time, using Nicholson, Clinton-Dix and D.J. Swearinger.
Before Clinton-Dix’s arrival, the Redskins occasionally went that route, playing Deshazor Everett with Nicholson and Swearinger.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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