Duke Ihenacho is Ready to Contribute For Redskins
The Washington Redskins got an unexpected boost when they were able to claim safety Duke Ihenacho off waivers following his release from the Denver Broncos.
Ihenacho (6-foot-1, 207-pounds) got plenty of game experience for the Broncos last season and once he fully learns the playbook, he will get some opportunities with the Redskins as well.
The Redskins will be without Brandon Meriweather for the first two weeks of the year while he serves his suspension, so there is an opportunity for Ihenacho to show his skills off even though Bacarri Rambo is currently the starting strong safety. While Ihenacho is catching on to the Redskins defensive playbook, he will be called upon on special teams.
Ihenacho was asked how much he expects to play Sunday at Houston.
“It just depends on how I pick up the defense. Obviously, I’m not going to play a full workload like I would any other game, because I don’t know the full playbook. But I’m going to do what I can, and I can play on Sunday, whether it means running down on kickoff, or on the two packages. But I can play on Sunday.
I’ve been brought here just to contribute, man. Everyone’s aware of Meriweather missing two games. So, there’s a need at safety. That doesn’t mean I’m going to start. But I’ll be able to help wherever it may be. Or, just in case someone else goes down. I just got here, so I’m still trying to figure out what exactly I’m going to do, but I’m going to contribute any way I can.”
When asked how he felt about being released and then claimed by the Washington Redskins.
“It was a blessing, man. Obviously, you don’t want to move from where you’re at. I thought I was in a good position, and my family was in a good position there. You hate getting cut, but I’m just grateful for this opportunity, to still have a place in this league. … You just never know. Anything can happen. On to the next step, and I’m ready to work.”
Below is an interview from Ihenacho. via CSN Washington.
