Norman to play through hand injury that felt like 'a thousand stinging bees'

Josh Norman won't be able to use one of his most potent weapons when he suits up for the Washington Redskins' matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday: his right hand.

Norman briefly left last week's game against the Baltimore Ravens after receiver Breshad Perriman fell on his hand. The injury appeared serious judging by the cornerback's reaction, as he kicked his feet in pain while lying on the field.

Norman said it felt "like a thousand stinging bees all at once," according to ESPN's John Keim.

The veteran cornerback has been practicing with a protective cast over the hand this week, which he plans to continue using for the Week 6 contest. At first, Norman didn't think a hand injury would be so cumbersome, but after considering his style of play, he realized it could be a major issue.

"I didn't think a hand injury would be that big. ... I use it so much," Norman said. "Ninety-five percent of what I do is hand fights. So if you have one hand out of commission, it's super hard. Playing with one hand and one hand at 80 percent? Geez."

Norman was told his hand is "heavily sprained." meaning he may have to adjust a style of play that favors his right side.

"That's my game," he said. "It's going to be interesting to see this week how that affects us. But it's my game and getting that ball out wherever I can. I like to go to my right; that's my strong, dominant hand. So I guess I have to be ambidextrous and go to the left and see if I can't make plays there. That's what I love to do, man, go for that football. That's my M.O.

"I have to rely on my athletic ability a lot. Wherever I can steal an inch here or there with my hands, I'm gonna try. I won't lie and say it's easy because it's not."