One move was expected; Keiland Williams was promoted from the practice squad. The other was a mild surprise; Devin Thomas was cut.
However, the Redskins clearly never liked Thomas as a receiver, citing a need to be more professional in his approach and even shopping him to other teams starting before the final cuts in September. Teams didn’t want to surrender a draft pick for him knowing that he likely would be cut at some point.
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Thomas didn’t catch one pass this season, limited strictly to special teams. He returned 12 kickoffs for a 28-yard average, showing good burst but never coming close to breaking a long one. He also blocked on punt returns, helping clear a path on Brandon Banks’ 53-yard return vs. Philadelphia. Banks can return kickoffs as well. Byron Westbrook has been lining up next to Thomas deep all season. Keiland Williams returned kickoffs this preseason.
Thomas was one of three pass-catchers taken in the second round in 2008. He was considered raw but talented coming out of Michigan State.
But now Thomas has been cut and receiver Malcolm Kelly is on injured reserve and has a tenuous future with the team. Tight end Fred Davis had a standout second half last season, but has just three catches for 73 yards in 2010 as Chris Cooley has returned and he’s been used more to block.
As rookies, both Thomas and Kelly were criticized by coach Jim Zorn for not showing up for training camp in the right shape.
Thomas did catch 25 passes for 325 yards last season, but that only took him so far. Even one teammate in February predicted that neither he nor Kelly would ever “get it.”
Thomas maintained an upbeat attitude throughout his situation this season.
“I’m figuring it out and they’re helping me out as we go along,” Thomas said of the coaches earlier this season. “I’m pushing to my depth and the way the route is run, making sure it’s the way they want it to be ran. Obviously I must have underperformed compared to the other fellas in front of me.”
Thomas could not be reached for comment Saturday.
As for Williams, he’ll likely serve as the Redskins’ third-down back. Williams, cut before the Week 4 game at Philadelphia, caught 6 passes for 29 yards in the first three games. He’s more adept than starter Ryan Torain or backup Chad Simpson at protecting the passer.
