Washington signs LB David Mayo after placing rookie safety Darrick Forrest on IR

Because Washington waited until after 4:01 PM ET Wednesday to place Forrest on IR, he is eligible to return after sitting out a minimum of three games. Teams are now allowed to place an unlimited number of players on IR who are eligible to return this season. 

Forrest, a fifth-round draft pick, has been bothered by a hamstring injury the past week that forced him out of Saturday’s preseason finale against the Baltimore Ravens.

He was one of five safeties included on Washington’s initial 53-man roster. Meanwhile, Washington had just four linebackers. Wednesday’s adjustment leaves Landon Collins, Kamren Curl, Bobby McCain and Deshazor Everett as the four safeties on the roster.

Mayo initially signed with Washington in March, but was released during final cuts Tuesday. He’ll join Jon Bostic, Cole Holcomb, Khaleke Hudson and rookie Jamin Davis. Mayo played four seasons (2015-2018) under Washington head coach Ron Rivera while the two were with the Carolina Panthers.