Washington Redskins Jason Hatcher will be out 4-6 weeks

Washington Redskins defensive end Jason Hatcher left yesterday’s practice with knee pain, and head coach Jay Gruden stated that he would be out until training camp. Hatcher’s injury signified the end of his work at minicamp, but the news seems like precautions from the Redskins organization in order to play things as safely as possible with their big-money free agent signing.

Now, ESPN NFL Nation’s John Keim reports that Hatcher stated he will need arthroscopic surgery on his knee and will be out 4-6 weeks. That means he could miss the beginning of training camp, but Hatcher should be ready to go after his knee is cleaned up. At 31, there are always worries whenever a veteran player undergoes any type of knee surgery, but I have faith that Hatcher will be fine in his first season with the Redskins.

Hatcher recorded a career-high 11 sacks last season for the rival Dallas Cowboys in what was the best year of his career, but he was also great in 2012 despite having less sacks. He’s proven that he can dominate as an interior pass rusher in either the 3-4 or the 4-3, and the Redskins have an excellent trio of pass rusher in Brian Orakpo, Ryan Kerrigan, and Hatcher. Hopefully he can make a speedy recovery, and we’ll keep an eye out for any news regarding his recovery, especially when July rolls around.