Parker, Torain among those cut
The Redskins solved one of the biggest questions on their roster with an expected move – and a twist.
In trimming the roster to 53, the Redskins cut veteran running back Willie Parker – as anticipated – but also released Ryan Torain. The latter is not a big name, but he was the favorite to win the No. 3 job entering camp.
However, the Redskins opted for Keiland Williams instead and will try to sign Torain to the practice squad.
Parker was OK running the ball, though his holes weren’t great. However, he was inconsistent at picking up blitzes – his technique was not the best, either, which was part of the problem. And his inability to help on special teams had to part of the decision. Earlier in the week, offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan admitted it would be tough to keep three running backs who don’t help on special teams. Starter Clinton Portis and No. 2 back Larry Johnson don’t do anything on special teams.
Torain wasn’t merely average; he ran too upright and didn’t show much burst but he’s a good pass protector and solid on special teams.
Among the other highlights from the cuts:
» WR Devin Thomas and Brandon Banks made the roster. Thomas had been on the bubble, according to league and team sources.
“I wasn’t nervous,” he said.
Thomas said he anticipates being the kick returner in the opener vs. Dallas.
Banks’ speed — he runs the 40-yard dash in 4.24 seconds — made him attractive despite questionable hands. He fumbled one punt return and muffed two others. But his fancy footwork impressed the coaches.
Another surprise was running back Keiland Williams. However, he showed more speed to the hole than Torain, picked up blitzes fairly well and has good hands. Plus, he can help on special teams.
» Depleted draft. The Redskins tout Donovan McNabb and Adam Carriker as part of their draft class because they were obtained with 2010 choices. However, of the six rookies, only two made the roster — left tackle Trent Williams and linebacker Perry Riley. Tight end Dennis Morris was traded earlier in the week and offensive linemen Selvish Capers and Erik Cook and receiver Terrence Austin were among the cuts.
The Redskins hope to sign all three to the practice squad Sunday.
» Justin Tryon trade. The Redskins traded their third-year corner to Indianapolis for a conditional draft pick. Tryon was not going to make the roster, despite a solid final preseason game vs. Arizona.
» One backup tackle. The Redskins have just one reserve tackle in Stephon Heyer. However, guard Artis Hicks can play tackle and the Redskins could always activate Capers off the practice squad (or Will Robinson if he’s on it).
» Linebacker Robert Henson. He played his best game of the summer, by far, in the preseason finale vs. Arizona. But he also hurt his knee and was waived/injured. It might have been tough for him anyway considering the Redskins appeared settled at inside linebacker with H.B. Blades and Perry Riley as reserves.
» The 10-member 2008 draft class took more hits. Only three of them — tight end Fred Davis, receiver Devin Thomas and safety Chris Horton — remain on the roster. Malcolm Kelly was placed on injured reserve earlier in the week. The rest have all been cut or traded.
