Washington has waited two seasons for Galette to get on the field. He tore an Achilles tendon in the first week of camp in each of the past two years. The former Saints star hasn’t made it to a preseason game, but the Redskins are still looking for a solid starter opposite linebacker Ryan Kerrigan, so they made the rare move of signing an injured player for a third time.

Doctson played only 31 snaps last season. His initial diagnosis of a strained Achilles tendon in minicamp last year frustrated then-general manager Scot McCloughan so much that he broke his hand punching a wall. The Redskins rested the first-round pick and hoped he would heal. After catching two passes in two weeks, Doctson’s season was over after Sept. 18.

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Neither Doctson nor Galette is expected to be a statistical leader, but both need to contribute for their units to click. The Redskins may have enough pass rushers to survive without Galette, but his addition could help Washington rise from 28th in total defense last season to a top-15 unit.

Galette has looked sharp in the opening days of training camp. The intensity is there. If he can stay healthy, it’s reasonable to expect he could produce like he did in New Orleans. He posted 12 sacks with the Saints in 2013 and 10 in 2014.

“Dominant pass rushers like he was in New Orleans are hard to find,” coach Jay Gruden said. “I think he’s got the quick twitch still.”

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Doctson doesn’t have a long pro résumé like Galette. He has YouTube videos of leaping touchdowns at Texas Christian. At 6 feet 2, the receiver is expected to pair with Terrelle Pryor Sr. (6-4) to stretch the end zone. And so far in camp, Doctson has delivered.

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The Redskins have a long history of missing on draft picks for wide receivers. That makes fans afraid to truly believe in Doctson’s return. They’re more worried he could be another Malcolm Kelly, a 2008 second-rounder from Oklahoma who was constantly injured and managed just 28 catches in two seasons.

Hushed tones in the summer would give way to cheers if Galette and Doctson stay off the trainer’s table. Until then, the “knock on wood” policy, which Gruden used this week when he talked about their health, seems necessary.

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