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Redskins Placing NT Barry Cofield on Short-Term IR

Coach Gruden said it was a possibility that Cofield would go on STIR depending on MRI results.

By Scott Jennings
USA TODAY Sports

Losing Barry Cofield for any amount of time hurts the Redskins defense for multiple reasons.  The Redskins don't have many options currently on the roster to replace Cofield at NT.  Yesterday, Coach Gruden said that DE Chris Baker would shift over to NT to replace Cofield while he is out, but this also creates a hole at DE.  Having a starter as the only backup for another starter isn't ideal, but with Chris Neild tearing his ACL two weeks ago, the team didn't have many options.  Jarvis Jenkins will step in for Baker as the starter at DE, and the Redskins might add another Defensive linemen for depth while Cofield is out.

There has been no official word yet from the Redskins, but ESPN980's Chris Russell first reported the Redskins plans, and ESPN's John Keim has confirmed them.  Cofield's MRI results for his high ankle sprain have not been revealed yet, but they are obviously not better than expected.  This designation will mean that Cofield must miss at least 6 weeks of practice, and 8 weeks of games..  The Redskins play the Buccaneers at home following the Week 10 bye, and this could be the next time we see Cofield on the field.

Once again, here are the rules for short-term IR:

Following the cutdown to 53 players, the new Reserve/Injured rule will work as follows:

1. Only players with a "major injury" who are placed on Reserve/Injured after 4 p.m., New York time, on Tuesday, September 4, or thereafter during the season, will be eligible to be reactivated at a later time.

2. A "major injury" is defined as an injury that renders the player unable to practice or play football for at least six weeks (42 calendar days) from the date of injury.

3. Each team may reactivate only one player placed on Reserve/Injured after 4 p.m., New York time, on Tuesday, September 4. That player must be "designated for return" at the time the club places him on Reserve/Injured, and such designation shall appear on that day's Personnel Notice.

4. Such player is eligible to return to practice if he has been on Reserve/Injured for at least six weeks from the date he is placed on Reserve. He is eligible to return to the Active List if he has been on Reserve/Injured for at least eight weeks from the date he is placed on Reserve.

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