The Redskins officially announced the release of running back and return specialist Chad Morton on Friday.
Morton, 28, suffered a torn ACL in his knee against the Green Bay Packers in Week 8. He underwent surgery for the injury in December but has not yet been cleared by team doctors to play.
The departure of the five-year veteran became more ominous as the off-season continued. The Redskins already had Antonio Brown and James Thrash, who both excelled while replacing Morton’s punt return duties during the 2004 season, and added speedy wide receiver Santana Moss. Moss led the Jets in punt return yardage in 2004. Along with Thrash, Ladell Betts also shared kick return duties in place of Morton. The team is also currently pursuing cornerback R.W. McQuarters, who was the Bears leading punt returner in 2004.
For his career, Morton has returned 174 kickoffs for a 24-yard average and 79 punts for a 9-yard average. He has scored three touchdowns on kick returns. In 2004, Morton averaged 6.2 yards per punt return and 22.4 yards per kick return.
Morton was acquired as a restricted free agent from the New York Jets prior to the 2003 season. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the 5th round of the 2000 NFL Draft out of Southern California.
Jake Russell is a writer for theHogs.net. You can contact Jake at Jakeman@theHogs.net.
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