:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/42187890/20130827_kkt_sb4_230.0.jpg)
Stephen Bowen returned to practice for the first time this year on Wednesday. He has been out since re-injuring his knee last year in a Week 11 game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Bowen had microfracture surgery on the knee and was placed on IR, ending his season. He has spent most of this year on the PUP list, and his future with the team was questioned by many. The Redskins were able to restructure his contract, saving about $2.3 million on the cap this year. Most of that money was turned into incentives that he can earn back through playing time and performance bonuses.
Jay Gruden and Jim Haslett have both made it clear this week that Bowen looked good in practice, and would be returning to the Redskins lineup soon. Now it looks like Bowen will be activated today, and could be active for the team as a backup/rotational player in tomorrow's game against the Titans. If the team does activate him, they will have to make a corresponding roster cut to make room for Bowen on the 53-man roster. Frank Kearse and Clifton Geathers are the reserve defensive linemen on the roster and one of them could be released to make room for Bowen today. The Redskins have until 4PM today to make a decision if they want Bowen active for tomorrow's game.
Leonard Hankerson is the only other Redskins player on the PUP list, and he is still several weeks away.
Two sources now confirm to @ESPNRadio980 that Stephen Bowen will be activated off season PUP for #Titans. Corresponding move still not done.
— Chris Russell (@Russellmania980) October 18, 2014
Redskins in the process of deciding who they'll cut to make room for Bowen.
— Mike Jones (@MikeJonesWaPo) October 18, 2014