ASHBURN — Redskins defensive end Stacy McGee practiced Wednesday for the first time since suffering a groin muscle injury in the spring. This was the first week McGee was eligible to practice after beginning the season the Physically Unable to Perform list.
Coach Jay Gruden said McGee was in good shape and had lost weight since becoming injured. But, he added, it’s too soon to tell if McGee will be ready for Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys.
The Redskins have one roster spot open after they released defensive lineman Ziggy Hood on Tuesday.
Gruden said the Redskins have yet to decide how they will fill the spot.
The Redskins have a long list of injuries, so they could try and fill another position instead of the defensive line. Gruden said defensive lineman Caleb Brantley, who has been inactive on game days, will be ready to play, if needed.
“He’s in great physical shape,” Gruden said of McGee. “I think he felt a little weird with the pads on for the first time, but I think it’s great to get him a good week or maybe two to get him up to speed and get his pads-a-popping and see how he does.”
Now that McGee has practiced, Washington has three weeks to activate, release or place him on injured reserve with the lineman still on the PUP list.
McGee signed a five-year, $25 million deal with the Redskins in 2017. Last season, he started 10 games and recorded 44 tackles.
In June, Gruden said McGee had undergone surgery for his injury.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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