Reed

Doughty

It’s probably a four-year deal if it was completed this early. Doughty, who played at DI-AA Northern Colorado, will try to make the Redskins on special teams.

Landy is one of the most talented and effective safeties in the game, but hasn’t played since Week 10 of last season. Reed Doughty is a reasonable replacement as he kicks O.J. Atogwe to the strong side, but he’s not the difference-maker Landry is.

Landry has been vague about his status before, but he said “of course” he will play this week. His return would be a big boost to the Redskins and IDP owners alike. Landry is a difference-maker in the secondary and allows O.J. Atogwe to return to his free safety spot. Reed Doughty would head back to the bench if Landry really does suit up.

Landry said Tuesday he’d be active against the Cowboys, but it’s far from a slam dunk that he’ll suit up this week. If he doesn’t, Reed Doughty will again get the start in his absence.

Landry is not expected to play again this year thanks to groin and Achilles issues. Gomes has started two games this season, recording 19 tackles and one pass defensed in those contests.

Reed Doughty will start over O.J. Atogwe at free safety this week, with DeJon Gomes taking Landry’s spot. Shanahan indicated that Landry’s Achilles is not torn, but “it’s been quite sore” going back to the 2010 season. The procedure was recommended after Landry visited with a specialist on Wednesday.

The writing was on the wall for this one, as news out of Washington earlier in the week was pessimistic at best. Landry still has no timetable for a return. He’ll be replaced by O.J. Atogwe, with Reed Doughty starting at free safety. Teammate Brian Orakpo (ankle, questionable) will play.

He’s expected to be ready for OTAs, indicating the surgery took place just after the season. Doughty appeared in all 16 games last season, making 10 starts and recording 69 tackles with one interception. The Redskins prefer him as a rotational, early-down No. 3 safety because Doughty is limited in pass coverage.

Chris Horton, who is recovering from toe surgery, will be part of the battle as well. Doughty is the most effective of the group and held the starting job down the stretch last season. We’d expect him to win out.

Doughty started at strong safety for much of last season, excelling as a run defender with 91 tackles. However, he was a liability in pass coverage, and will do even more of it as Washington’s likely starting free safety. It’s a risk, with LaRon Landry as the Skins’ primary “in the box” defensive back.