Redskins keep Sellers, eight receivers so far The Redskins resolved some questions but also created others when they made their final cuts Saturday.
As of early Saturday evening, the Redskins’ roster included eight receivers — two to three more than usual — and only two quarterbacks — Rex Grossman and John Beck. They also kept nine rookies, including undrafted free agent offensive tackle Willie Smith, one of the big surprises.
Washington had a glut at receiver, which led to one question before Saturday: Who would the Redskins release? Turns out, of those in question, the answer was no one. They hung on to fifth-round pick Niles Paul and veteran Donte Stallworth. Returner Brandon Banks’ job wasn’t in any jeopardy, provided he was healthy. And second-year Terrence Austin used a strong camp to make the squad.
There’s still a chance the Redskins could make another move with their receivers, perhaps trading one. They only have six defensive linemen, and seventh-round pick Chris Neild is the backup nose tackle. That, too, could change after the Redskins scan the waiver wire. Washington cut backup nose tackle Anthony Bryant.
Veteran Mike Sellers made the roster despite some speculation he would be cut. One Redskins source said Thursday that Sellers would make the team.
Among the cuts were veterans Chris Horton and Horatio Blades. Both players knew this could happen. Blades had tweeted as much after the team signed Keyaron Fox. And Horton, a safety, said he knew it would be a struggle after the Redskins signed Oshiomogho Atogwe and drafted DeJon Gomes.
“I was prepared for this,” Horton said. “I felt I had a really good camp; the best thing is I came out healthy.”
“I’ve had a great time here from day one when no one knew who I was. I was just the kid out of UCLA with the long dreadlocks. When I came out in that first preseason game and I had a great game, people started to feel and understand this kid could be something special.”
But injuries in each of the past two years cost him 17 games.
Washington also cut running back Keiland Williams, who started three games last year, and offensive lineman Selvish Capers, a 2010 seventh-round pick.
“I feel last year I got an opportunity to show what I can do and this preseason wasn’t the same,” said Williams, who was moved to fullback this camp.
The Redskins kept eight draft choices: Gomes, Neild, linebacker Ryan Kerrigan, receiver Leonard Hankerson, running back Roy Helu, Paul, linebacker Markus White and cornerback Brandyn Thompson. They put a ninth rookie, end Jarvis Jenkins, on injured reserve.
“Now it’s time to go to work,” White said.
They cut rookie running back Evan Royster, receiver Aldrick Robinson and offensive lineman Maurice Hurt. All three could be signed to the practice squad.
Washington also needs a backup guard after cutting Artis Hicks.
Also, safety Kareem Moore could open the season on the physically unable to perform list, though that is not yet official.
The rest of the cuts: safety Anderson Russell, linebacker Edgar Jones, receiver Isaac Anderson, linebacker Thaddeus Gibson, tackle Clint Oldenburg, tight end Tony Curtis, running back Shaun Draughn, tight end Derek Schouman, offensive lineman Donovan Raiola, defensive lineman Jeff Stehle, defensive lineman Doug Worthington and defensive back Davonte Shannon.
