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Washington Redskins Running Backs: Breaking down the roster bubble players

By Jacob Camenker

Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins running back Mack Brown (34) is congratulated by teammates after he scores his first career touchdown during the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins running back Mack Brown (34) is congratulated by teammates after he scores his first career touchdown during the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 19, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins running back Keith Marshall (39) runs with the ball in the fourth quarter against the New York Jets at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 19, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins running back Keith Marshall (39) runs with the ball in the fourth quarter against the New York Jets at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /

Keith Marshall

There are a lot of unknowns about Keith Marshall heading into his second NFL season. The former seventh round pick spent the entirety of his rookie season on the injured reserve thanks to an elbow injury suffered in the team’s third preseason game. Marshall has talent, but he faces an uphill battle to make the final roster.

Marshall’s main asset throughout his playing days has been his speed. He blazed a 4.31 second 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine in 2016, and he was one of the fastest players in college football back in 2012. However, because of an ACL tear in 2013, Marshall has dealt with injury problems and is not quite the same runner. Obviously he still has speed and talent, as the 40 time shows, but he is fragile and that could cost him.

Having Marshall on the team would add an element to the Redskins running game that they do not already have. Marshall could bring that speed and quickness and possibly contribute on a few carries per game. At the same time, he appears to be fifth in what is currently a four horse race for roster spots. He just does not have the same special teams value as Brown, and that will hurt him.

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Though Marshall may not quite make the 53-man roster, there is still hope for him to land on the practice squad. The Redskins could look to further develop him there and potentially add him as a contributor in the event that one of their runners gets hurt. Marshall is a high upside player, but there is too much risk for him to make the 53-man roster right now. If he impresses in the preseason, then the matter will be revisited.

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