ASHBURN, Va. (AP) – Washington Redskins players said safety Su’a Cravens had to be talked out of retiring, and his future with the team is in doubt.
The 22-year-old Cravens, Washington’s expected starter at strong safety, has been out since Aug. 15 following knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus, but was expected to return to practice this week to prepare for the season opener Sept. 10 against Philadelphia.
It was not immediately clear how the Redskins would designate Cravens, though he was not at practice on Sunday. Deshazor Everett is expected to start against the Eagles. Cravens’ uncertainty explains why Washington kept five safeties on its initial 53-man roster.
Coach Jay Gruden informed players of Cravens’ situation after practice Sunday.
Gruden was originally supposed to speak with reporters, but that news conference was canceled and moved until Tuesday. Players were left to address the stunning news that Cravens had considered retirement.
