Redskins: Five to watch

Published September 2, 2009 4:00am ET



RT Mike Williams

Based on his summer performance, and constant injuries, he should be cut. But that assumes the Redskins have good backups. They don’t. So Williams needs to get through the Jacksonville game healthy and show a pulse. The Redskins seem intent on giving him a roster spot.

RB Anthony Alridge

Locked in a battle with Marcus Mason for a possible fourth running back spot. Alridge offers something different: speed. The Redskins have no change-of-pace back. However, he had numerous fumble problems early in camp. He came recommended from Vinny Cerrato’s good friend, ex-Denver coach Mike Shanahan.

QB Colt Brennan

The 2008 summer darling needs a good night to keep the No. 3 job. True, he’s running a more difficult version of the offense, but he needs to prove he can avoid mistakes in the red zone. That hasn’t been the case. He needs to be more decisive in this area.

QB Chase Daniel

He was a longshot when camp opened. No longer. Daniel has increased his knowledge of the playbook and therefore will run plays with more reads, and probably more complex patterns, Thursday. He was accurate and decisive in his first game. The coaches love his intangibles.

TE Fred Davis

Davis looked sharp early in training camp. He has not looked good much of the preseason, however. Davis’ blocking has been adequate at best and his route-running is inconsistent, leading to incompletions. He must prove that quarterbacks can trust him. Thus far, he hasn’t.