The Washington Redskins changed their mind and decided to activate cornerback Josh Norman for Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions after initially planning to make him a healthy scratch, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Cornerback Aaron Colvin instead is inactive.
Norman has one year left on his contract after this season. Washington would save $12.5 million against the salary cap next season by cutting him. The Redskins have tried to trade Norman over the past year, including at the deadline in October, but found no takers, sources told ESPN's John Keim.
Norman had officially been listed as questionable with a hamstring injury.
All three of the Redskins' top cornerbacks were benched late in a 34-17 loss to the New York Jets last week. Defensive coordinator Greg Manusky and interim coach Bill Callahan both said it stemmed from a desire to see more young guys get playing time.
But Norman has been involved in multiple coverage mishaps this season, whether from his own doing or from the lack of help he anticipated from others. Norman has intercepted just one pass, despite teams not shying away from throwing at him. That's not what the Redskins expected after signing Norman to a five-year, $75 million contract in April 2016.
Asked Friday why Norman hasn't made more plays, Manusky said, "Couldn't tell you why; you got to ask him. I think from our situation, we're putting him in situations to make some plays, and we're just not making the plays. Sometimes that's across the board as well on a lot of other players too."