Other than staying healthy, this game really is about determining final roster spots. And just to remind you that it matters: Last year entering this game, Robert Henson was likely going to be cut. He had a great finale and made the roster. Not that the guy he bumped off, Cody Glenn, was complaining. He spent the last nine weeks of the regular season, and the postseason, on Indianapolis’ active roster.
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WR Devin Thomas. According to one league source and multiple Redskins sources, Redskins receiver Devin Thomas is definitely on the bubble. That means the former second-round pick must have a good showing vs. Arizona to land a roster spot. Yes, he’s more talented than many of the other receivers and can help on special teams, but he must show consistency – both in route-running and his hands. He needs to give them a reason to keep him around. Really, I don’t think this is as much about what else they have on the roster, it’s whether or not they like him.
WR/R Brandon Banks. After a muffed punt and a fumbled one, he needs to show something tonight or else that touchdown return will seem like a distant memory. The fumbled punt is disturbing because it’s not like it came on a great hit nor was it a particularly strong strip. Though he can be a threat on some pass routes, he gets overpowered on others. He’s intriguing because of his speed, but is that enough?
WR/R Terrence Austin. Just know that Austin has graded out well as a receiver, which should, or at least could, give him an edge over Banks. Austin lacks his explosiveness, but he does have good feet and cuts well. Liked that he had a good block vs. the Jets from scrimmage, but I’ve also seen him lose battles because of his size. It’s possible neither Austin nor Banks makes the roster.
RB Ryan Torain. We know that this coaching staff liked him in Denver and the only question was could he stay healthy. But it still seems as if a play or two tonight would cement a spot. Of course, the staff already knows what he can do and the fact that he stayed healthy all summer might be enough. A week or so ago I’d heard that Keiland Williams was more likely a practice squader, but could last week and tonight alter that? Oh, the intrigue. It’ll also be interesting to see how Larry Johnson and Willie Parker fare.
CB Justin Tryon. He’s still in a battle with Byron Westbrook and Ramzee Robinson to make the roster. Less than two weeks ago, Westbrook had the edge. But that’s a long time in the preseason and Tryon still has a shot to remain. And then we had the ESPN story Wednesday saying that Westbrook had (wrongly) been cut. However, this only means he wasn’t cut the other day. Tryon needs to play more physical.
DL Jeremy Jarmon. Another former high pick (third rounder) in danger of being cut. Once again, league and team sources say he’s on that dreaded bubble. Jarmon, coming off knee surgery, still limps as he runs sprints. He seems ill-fitted to play as a 3-4 end. Ideally, the Redskins would trade him for a draft pick. But if teams know he’s about to be cut, would they surrender anything for him – especially knowing he’s still not 100 percent? Really curious to see what happens with him and if he makes the roster. Guessing the last DL could be Darrion Scott; he has experience and played for Jim Haslett last year in the UFL. Not sure where this one is headed.
DL Albert Haynesworth. It sounds as if he indeed will play, making him one of the few regulars who will do so. Haynesworth needs the time, though he is coming off a decent outing. How will he handle playing when others are sitting? Stay tuned.
OL Chad Rinehart. He was supposed to be starting by now (his third season), but instead he might not make the team. Rinehart has spent too much time getting knocked back this summer, helping to clog passing lanes.
OL Selvish Capers. He’ll play left guard for the first time as the Redskins clearly want to see if he can do more than play tackle. His play at left tackle has been spotty; he was terrible in the Baltimore game.
TE Lee Vickers. The guy has been cut eight times, but right now is locked in a battle with Logan Paulsen for the third tight end spot. The NFL might seem glamorous, but guys like Vickers sacrifice a lot to get there; he hasn’t seen his wife and two small kids since he left for camp.
