UPDATE: Anthony Lanier cleared waivers, and has reverted to the team's IR
Redskins announcement
REDSKINS MAKE ROSTER MOVES
LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. – The Washington Redskins announced today that they have made the following roster moves:
The Redskins signed the following players to their practice squad:
DT Caushaud Lyons
QB Nic Shimonek
The Redskins signed the following free agent:
DT Caleb Brantley
The Redskins waived the following player designated as injured:
DE Anthony Lanier
This seemed to come out of nowhere. This means that — at a minimum — Lanier will be gone for 8 weeks.
Bad news, indeed.
I’m sure that Jay Gruden will handle a lot of questions about these roster moves at his press conference, which should provide some clarity.
On Brantley
Brantley, a sixth-round selection by the Browns last year, was recently waived by Cleveland, a surprise move to many, where he appeared in 12 games, combining for 18 tackles and two sacks during his rookie season.
In three seasons with the Gators, Brantley tallied 80 total tackles (20.5 for loss) and 5.5 sacks.
During his junior season, Brantley recorded 8.5 tackles for loss – tied for Gators’ lead -- added 2.5 sacks and was named to the second-team All-SEC in 2016.
That same season was highlighted by consecutive strong performances against two of the nation’s best running attacks in LSU and Florida State, in which he totaled five tackles in each contest. In his final game at Florida the 6-foot-2, 307-pounder tallied three tackles and a sack at the 2016 Outback Bowl.
Brantley has had some off-the-field issues ahead of last year’s draft. It will be interesting to see how the Redskins handle a player who came out of college with talent, but has character concerns beyond being addicted to video games.
Brantley was cut by the Cleveland Browns on Saturday. A star at Florida who led the Gators with 9 1/2 tackles for loss and had 2 1/2 sacks in 2017, Brantley faced a misdemeanor battery complaint that was dismissed , and went from projected second-day pick to the sixth round when he was taken 185th by the Browns.
On Lanier
Head coach Jay Gruden said at his press conference yesterday that Lanier, the undrafted Alabama A&M product, didn’t practice with the team Sunday due to a hip flexor groin injury, the severity of which was unclear.
Also at practice: QB Nic Shimonek; cut by the Chargers...
— John Keim (@john_keim) September 3, 2018
Thing to note: Had been told the other day that Lanier was on the bubble pre-cuts. So this move is not a big surprise;
— John Keim (@john_keim) September 3, 2018
Brantley is clearly talented... But my guess: If he doesn't show what they need to see -- desire, etc. -- then he'll be gone. They have a good DL room; praised for approach.. Young guys who were always mentioned: Ioannidis, Payne, Allen, Settle...
— John Keim (@john_keim) September 3, 2018