Swapping coverage for pass rush, Redskins sign Noah Spence while DL mends

One sack of Carson Wentz. One sack of Dak Prescott. The Redskins have a sack problem, but they are looking to fix it. Washington has made a move on the roster, bringing in veteran edge rusher Noah Spence to join the foray into opponents backfields on hopefully a more regular basis.

The cost? A roster spot vacated by defensive back Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who has been moved to injured reserve after suffering a major ankle injury in Sunday's loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The 12-year veteran tore a ligament and was in his first season in Washington and got the start as Quinton Dunbar and Fabian Moreau were both sidelined and unable to play.

As for Spence, he's in just his fourth season in the league after spending the first three with Tampa Bay. He was the No. 39 overall pick in the 2016 draft and showed a lot of promise while notching 5.5 sacks in his rookie year. He had played through a shoulder injury and still produced. He lasted just six games in 2017 before being placed on IR though, with four separate shoulder dislocations. He returned to play 12 games in 2018, but was already buried on the depth chart and he didn't register a single sack.

The Bucs had moved to a 30 front, but Spence still couldn't latch on as an outside linebacker. Now the Washington Redskins will give him a chance to prove something in their version.

It looks like there may be a chance he's playing behind a stronger front than was seen on Sunday, as defensive end Jonathan Allen participated in some drills in Wednesday's practice.

DE Jonathan Allen is going through individual drills after missing last weeks game with a sprained knee. His return would be a huge boost for the DL. Strengthens their rotation considerably. pic.twitter.com/c21OnkNDgn
— John Keim (@john_keim) September 18, 2019

As for the loss of DRC, the Redskins may be getting some good news on the other injured defensive backs. Moreau is doing some things in practice as well.

Corner Fabian Moreau is going through individual drills. LB Cassanova McKinzy is not on the field. Update later.
— John Keim (@john_keim) September 18, 2019

Washington's defense was thought to be a strong unit, the stronger of the two, entering the season but that hasn't been the case through two games. Head coach Jay Gruden has been critical, but no coaching changes have been made to this point.