After linebacker Ryan Kerrigan ruled was out of this game early last week with a concussion, the Washington Redskins signed free agent Nate Orchard after he worked out with 10 NFL teams this season.
He just so happened to be one of the most important players for the Redskins, as they picked up their second-straight victory, 29-21, over the Carolina Panthers.
Orchard came in and played 43 snaps on defense, helping to boost a highly-depleted defense that was also missing Montez Sweat (injury) and Ryan Anderson (ejected) down the stretch. In relief, Orchard picked up four tackles, a sack, and the game-sealing fumble recovery.
With three of their top defenders set to return in the near future, there may be less of a role for Orchard going forward, but he proved on Sunday that he is worthy of a roster spot in Washington.
