A fourth-round pick out of Michigan State, Montae Nicholson appeared in eight games during his rookie season before being placed on Injured Reserve.
The Washington Redskins announced on Tuesday that they have placed safety Montae Nicholson on Injured Reserve.
In a corresponding move, the team has signed safety Fish Smithson from the practice squad to the active roster. Additionally, defensive lineman Tavaris Barnes Sr. has been signed to the practice squad.
Nicholson appeared in eight games during his rookie season recording 24 tackles (12 solo) along with two passes defensed and an interception.
In a dominating performance by the defense in a Week 3 victory over the Oakland Raiders, Nicholson joined David Amerson, Champ Bailey, Tom Carter, Su'a Cravens, Sean Taylor and Barry Wilburn as the only members of the Redskins since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger to record an interception prior to turning 22 years old, according to records provided by Pro Football Reference.
The pick off Derek Carr was also Washington's first interception on an opponent's opening drive since Week 12 of the 2015 season vs. the New York Giants.
Nicholson, however, was inactive for the Redskins' last four games after suffering a concussion against the New Orleans Saints on Nov. 19.
While Nicholson's season is now over, the coaching staff is excited about the Michigan State product's long-term growth.
"He's obviously showed a lot of promise and we love him as a player and an athlete," said Redskins head coach Jay Gruden.
Smithson, meanwhile, has joined the active roster after spending the entirety of his rookie season to date on Washington's practice squad.
Signed as a college free agent out of Kansas, Smithson appeared in 35 games with the Jayhawks and tallied 253 tackles with 17 passes defensed, six interceptions, three fumbles forced and two fumbles recovered.
During the preseason, the 5-foot-11, 196 pounder recorded eight tackles along with an interception which he returned 63 yards against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The 23-year-old rookie joins safeties D.J. Swearinger, Deshazor Everett and DeAngelo Hall on the active roster.
