After the first preseason game and a few season ending injuries, the roster projection for the Washington Redskins has changed. This team had added depth and now that is being tested even before the season starts. Here is how I believe the roster stands as of today. Projected starters are in bold.
Quarterback- Alex Smith, Colt McCoy
Colt McCoy showed his worth to the team with his performance on Thursday night. In five drives McCoy led three scoring drives and kept the offense moving with his mobility and quick delivery. Kevin Hogan on the other hand looked unsure and wasn’t as steady. His knowledge of the playbook also seemed to show. With injuries mounting up in other places, the Redskins can’t afford to keep three quarterbacks.
Running Back- Samaje Perine, Chris Thompson, Rob Kelly, Bryon Marshall
With the unfortunate loss of Derrius Guice for the season with a torn ACL, the running back situation has become a tad clearer. Chris Thompson and Rob Kelley seem to be locks at this point. There were very serious rumors of the team shopping Perine, however with the loss of Guice I believe that is not the case anymore. I would keep Kapri Bibbs with Bryon Marshall but I do believe that Perine could still be shopped and Bibbs on the roster.
Wide Receiver- Josh Doctson, Paul Richardson, Jamison Crowder, Maurice Harris, Trey Quinn, Brian Quick
This group doesn’t change after this week. I did not have Robert Davis on the roster and he was lost yesterday for the season with multiple ligament damage along with a broken tibia. I still like Quinn for this roster but Cam Sims is coming quick for the roster. Also Simmie Cobbs is also a contender.
Tight Ends- Jordan Reed, Vernon Davis, Jeremy Sprinkle
No change here and with Garner’s injury it is hard to see anyone else making the roster.
Offensive Line- Trent Williams, Shawn Lauvao, Chase Roullier, Brandon Scherff, Morgan Moses, Ty Nsekhe, Geron Christian, Tyler Catalina, Tony Bergstrom
The first week I had nine lineman, last week I had eight, now I am back to nine. The starters are settled but the backups are where the competition is. Nsekhe is the swing tackle while Christian learns the ropes and Bergstrom will be the backup guard/center. This should be the the line barring injuries.
Defensive Line- Jonathan Allen, Da’Ron Payne, Ziggy Hood, Anthony Lanier, Matt Ioannidis, Tim Settle
I have added Ziggy Hood and taken off McGee. It is beginning to look like McGee’s injury will keep him on the PUP to start the season and Hood has the ability to play both nose tackle and defensive end. This group will be young but extremely talented. With the exception of the ten year veteran Hood, the remainder of this group will be either entering their third year or are newer.
Linebackers- Ryan Kerrigan, Preston Smith, Zach Brown, Mason Foster, Zach Vigil, Ryan Anderson, Pernell McPhee, Josh Harvey-Clemons, Martrell Spaight
Pernell McPhee started practicing this past week and now the competition is complete. This odd man out as of now is Pete Robertson, however he has had a good camp. Martrell Spaight started calling plays as the mike linebacker this week, as Zach Vigil was the primary backup. As it stands now, Spaight is ahead of Robertson, but that can change.
Cornerbacks- Josh Norman, Quinton Dunbar, Orlando Scandrick, Fabian Moreau, Greg Stroman, Adonnis Alexander, Danny Johnson
I have added Danny Johnson as he has impressed in practice and in the preseason game. Johnson and Stroman have become young, physical corners on the edge. Alexander injured his knee so Stroman and Johnson have gotten added reps. Joshua Holsey’s injury will keep him out for awhile and that have given Johnson an opportunity. Plus Johnson and Stroman are great on special teams.
Safeties- DJ Swearinger, Montae Nicholson, Deshazor Everette, Troy Apke
This week to add Danny Johnson I have taken off Fish Smithson. Smithson is now third string and doesn’t offer the special teams ability that Johnson does. Also Adonnis Alexander can play safety as well.
Specialists- K Dustin Hopkins, P Tress Way, LS Nick Sundberg
Hopkins had been having a strong camp but he missed a 52 yard field goal in the fourth quarter of the game against the Patriots. Not looking like a competition is brewing but it is something to watch.
Offense- 24
Defense- 26
Special Teams- 3
Week one projection click here.
Week two projection click here.