Promising OLB Cassanova McKinzy suffers concussion, could cause 53-man roster ripples
![Promising OLB Cassanova McKinzy suffers concussion, could cause 53-man roster ripples Promising OLB Cassanova McKinzy suffers concussion, could cause 53-man roster ripples](https://www.si.com/.image/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/MTY2NTQ4NjQ3ODM0NTU5NzMw/usatsi_11774010.jpg)
Cassanova McKinzy has traveled a long road in his short time in the NFL. An undrafted free agent out of Auburn, McKinzy bounced in and out of the league since 2016. He finally landed in a stable environment, for him at least, with Washington in 2018. Instead of going back and forth with being employed, he went back and forth between the 53-man roster and the practice squad, finally landing on the roster for what was hopefully a permanent stay in early November. A torn pectoral muscle in Week 12 ended that campaign.
This offseason, McKinzy has been very impressive in his action behind Ryan Kerrigan, Ryan Anderson and first-round rookie Montez Sweat. In fact, Pro Football Focus named him one of the best players of the preseason for his two sacks and a forced fumble. But now, he has left the preseason finale against the Baltimore Ravens with a concussion.
Cassanova McKinzy has a concussion; out for the game
— John Keim (@john_keim) August 30, 2019
The concussion shouldn't impact his own chances to make the club, but it could mean Washington will have to carry more pass rushers if McKinzy isn't ready to contribute early in the season.
Behind him and the Big Three, Washington has Marcus Smith, who has bounced around the league after being a high-pedigree draft pick with Philadelphia. Seventh-round pick Jordan Brailford has suffered injuries throughout camp, and has been seen as a practice squad candidate.