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Washington Redskins: LB Steven Daniels Out for the Year

By Hunter Noll

Nov 8, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston College Eagles linebacker Steven Daniels (52) and linebacker Mike Strizak (30) get set to tackle Louisville Cardinals running back Brandon Radcliff (23) during the first half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston College Eagles linebacker Steven Daniels (52) and linebacker Mike Strizak (30) get set to tackle Louisville Cardinals running back Brandon Radcliff (23) during the first half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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Training camp has rolled around, and with it comes injuries. The Washington Redskins suffered a blow when rookie linebacker Steven Daniels suffered a torn labrum, and it was announced he would likely miss the entire season.

I was 100 percent on the Daniels bandwagon. He was the steal of the draft for the Redskins in my opinion. Daniels was going to give the Redskins depth while fighting for playing time (via Brian Skinnell of Redskins.com).

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Daniels showed off incredible instincts at Boston College, and put up extremely impressive numbers for an interior linebacker. In 2015, he collected 82 tackles (16 for loss), six sacks, one interception, and defended two passes.

There was something about him that just screamed “London Fletcher” to me. Add in the fact that he was college teammates with Carolina Panthers stud linebacker Luke Kuechly, and I was sold.

It looks like the Redskins will have to wait another year before they get to see what Daniels has at the NFL level however.

Last season, the Redskins had to deal with losing rookie linebacker Martrell Spaight to a concussion, this year it’s Daniels taking “rookie out for the year” spot.

This injury may not mean much to the starting defense, or even to the first few weeks of the season, but it will have an impact in the long run. Daniels probably wasn’t going to push anyone for a starting spot in week one. I definitely wouldn’t have been surprised if he forced his way into playing time by week four however. Throw in the fact that he could have been an excellent piece on special teams, and the Redskins have lost a valuable asset.

Daniels going down for the year does mean that another roster spot has opened up. This means that Houston Bates is a 100 percent lock for the final 53 in my opinion. Meanwhile, Lynden Trail, Willie Jefferson, Terence Garvin, and Carlos Fields are all in the running for the extra spot.

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There’s no doubt in my mind Daniels will be missed this season. The instincts and raw talent from a seventh-round pick, and the chemistry he seemed to be building with teammates can’t be replaced.

The Redskins have no other option than to try however.

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