Source: Redskins' Norman to be healthy scratch - 2 minutes read


Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman will be a healthy scratch for Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions, a source confirmed to ESPN.

Norman has one year left on his contract after this season. Washington would save $12.5 million against the salary cap next season by cutting him.

He had officially been listed as questionable with a hamstring injury.

Reporter Erin Hawksworth first reported news of Norman's healthy scratch.

This is not the first time this season the Redskins have made one of their more noteworthy names a healthy scratch. Running back Adrian Peterson was a healthy scratch for the first time in his career in Week 1.

Rookie Jimmy Moreland, a seventh-round pick, will replace Norman. He stood out in training camp because he consistently made plays and numerous defensive players singled him out as a player to watch.

The Redskins had tried to trade Norman over the past year, including at the deadline in October, but found no takers, multiple sources said. All three of their top corners were benched late in a 34-17 loss to the New York Jets last week. Defensive coordinator Greg Manusky and interim coach Bill Callahan both said it stemmed from a desire to see more young guys get playing time.

But Norman has been involved in multiple coverage mishaps this season, whether from his own doing or from the lack of help he anticipated from others. Norman has intercepted just one pass, despite teams not shying away from throwing at him. That's not what the Redskins expected after signing Norman to a five-year, $75-million contract in April of 2016.

When asked Friday why Norman hasn't made more plays, Manuksy said, "Couldn't tell you why, you got to ask him. I think from our situation, we're putting him in situations to make some plays, and we're just not making the plays. Sometimes that's across the board as well on a lot of other players too."

ESPN's John Keim contributed to this report.