Robert Kelley Could End Up Being Redskins Breakout Star

Washington Redskins running back Robert Kelley performed well in the third preseason game and looks to have won the backup job. He may be a breakout star in his rookie campaign.

In Friday’s game against the Buffalo Bills, the Washington Redskins were hoping to get a look at their running backs and make an important decision. They needed to pick a backup to Matt Jones. The third preseason game seemed to be the right time to do it. The team seemed to be focusing on picking between two rookies: Keith Marshall and Robert Kelley. After the game, it was apparent that Kelley would be the right choice to be the primary backup.

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In all fairness, Marshall suffered an elbow injury that knocked him out after just one carry. Still, Kelley looked very good in the starting role. During the night, Kelley carried the ball 12 times and totaled 51 yards. He was able to burst through the line for a couple of good sized gains. He did get stuffed a couple of times, but that is to be expected of a young player, especially since it was his first action with the starters. Kelley also looked very good in pass protection. He helped to protect Kirk Cousins more than a couple of times on the night. That further separated him from the competition.

Friday was not the first time that Kelley has looked good in a game this preseason. In the opener against the Falcons, Kelley led the team in rushing with 40 yards on seven carries. He managed to punch the ball in for a touchdown that night as well. During that contest, he ran with power and really beat up the Falcons. That is why he was able to separate himself from the other young players in the race for the primary backup position.

Now, with the regular season drawing nearer it is fair to ask: what can be expected of Kelley? It is likely that he will start the season as the backup to Jones, but he is not going to see a lot of time on the field. Chris Thompson will likely be the third down back while Jones should be a workhorse. Kelley would be lucky to see more than a couple of carries a game. However, Kelley may get a chance given the questionable health of Jones.

Jones sprained the AC joint in his shoulder during the second preseason game. As a result, he is scheduled to miss the rest of the preseason but he will be ready for the start of the regular season. However, if he bangs up his shoulder again, he may have to sit out some contests. If that happens, Kelley would be in line to get close to 15 carries in most games.

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Also, if Jones disappoints during the regular season, which could end up happening, Kelley will be the logical replacement. If he can prove to be a strong, tackle breaking runner, then he could be the next Alfred Morris for the Skins.

Regardless of what happens in the regular season, the undrafted player from Tulane has done well. Kelley is in line to see carries for a potential playoff team and he could burst on to the scene at any given moment. Nobody expected Kelley to be a big factor on the Redskins team, but he could end up being a breakout player during his rookie season.