Redskins Gameday: Preseason Game 4 at Cardinals

Storylines

1. Will Devin do enough? » 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 against 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.

2. Punt return battle » Two rookies are trying to become the Redskins’ primary returner — Brandon Banks and Terrence Austin. Just know that Austin has graded out well as a receiver, which should give him an edge. Banks is more explosive, but he also has fumbled one punt and muffed another. Austin lacks his speed but has good feet and cuts well. It’s possible that neither will make the roster.

3. Pick a back » The Redskins backup running back situation remains in flux as Ryan Torain now gets another chance to emerge as the No. 3. He’s expected to get a lot of action Thursday night. It’s hard to imagine the Redskins keeping both Willie Parker and Larry Johnson as the backups, so the decision could come down between Torain, whom the coaching staff liked in Denver, and Keiland Williams.

Five to watch

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.

DL Jeremy Jarmon

Another former high pick (third rounder) in danger of being cut. Jarmon, coming off knee surgery, still limps as he runs sprints. He seems an ill fit to play as a 3-4 end. Ideally, the Redskins would trade him for a draft pick.

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, clogging passing lanes.

OL Selvish Capers

He’ll play left guard for the first time as the Redskins clearly want to see whether he can do more than play tackle. His play at left tackle has been spotty; he was terrible in the Baltimore game.

State of the teams


CARDINALS » Arizona has its own quarterback issues, with Derek Anderson unseating Matt Leinart. Heavens, what a choice (nightmare?) after having Kurt Warner. The Cardinals, in a weak division, will need a strong running game this year.

REDSKINS » Washington is still trying to figure out its roster, notably receiver, backup offensive linemen and in the secondary. The Redskins mainly just want to stay healthy. They don’t have a lot of depth.

The last word

This game doesn’t matter, but it will to some player. Last year, Robert Henson would have been cut had he not played well in the finale. He did; he made the team. Someone will be helped Thursday night.

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