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Redskins' Josh Norman sidelined 'a couple of weeks' after fracturing rib

KANSAS CITY -- Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman could miss "a couple of weeks," coach Jay Gruden told ESPN's Lisa Salters at halftime, after suffering a rib fracture in the second quarter of Monday night's 29-20 loss to the Chiefs.

Gruden said after the game that Norman would be further evaluated on Tuesday.

The Redskins have a bye next week and play the San Francisco 49ers in two weeks.

"That's the first time that's ever happened to where I couldn't get out there," said Norman, who hasn't missed a game since the 2014 season. "I just have to take my time and have faith.

"I wanted to go out there, but do I more help the team or hurt the team if I can't really run and breathe hard?"

Norman fractured his rib trying to make a tackle on Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce after a long catch and run. Norman immediately jumped up and appeared hurt, shaking his shoulder. He ran off the field and soon headed to the locker room.

"It was tough," Norman said. "I told them to put me out there as a decoy. I was coming up with a whole bunch of things -- let me get back out there. I just wanted to give [teammates] juice, just like they give me."

The Redskins have good corner depth: Norman was replaced by Quinton Dunbar, with Bashaud Breeland shifting over to the left side, where Norman typically plays.

But losing Norman is a blow after he was off to a solid start this season. His absence was felt in the second half on Monday, though the Redskins had more issues at areas other than corner after he left the game.

In addition to being a quality corner in coverage, Norman hasn't shied away from helping against the run, and he aids safety D.J. Swearinger with communicating calls and coverages.