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Washington Redskins waive Houston Bates, sign TE E.J. Bibbs

By Ian Cummings

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 31: Tight end Alan Cross #45 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs for a first down while getting pressure from linebacker Houston Bates #96 of the Washington Redskins during the fourth quarter of an NFL preseason game on August 31, 2016 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 31: Tight end Alan Cross #45 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs for a first down while getting pressure from linebacker Houston Bates #96 of the Washington Redskins during the fourth quarter of an NFL preseason game on August 31, 2016 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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The Washington Redskins made a couple of roster moves following the start of training camp. The team has reportedly waived outside linebacker Houston Bates. Consequently, they’ve also added tight end E.J. Bibbs.

Houston Bates suffered a torn ACL late in the 2016 campaign. He was initially listed as one of four players on the PUP list to start training camp. Due to the severity of his injury, he failed his physical, and the Redskins had no choice other than to free up his roster spot for 2017. A return in 2018 will not be ruled out for Bates, but he certainly has an uphill battle ahead of him.

Bates was a serviceable special teams contributor in his time with the Redskins, but when asked to contribute on defense as an edge rusher, he too often proved to lack the adequate size, speed, and athleticism for the role. His departure is a notable one, as is any departure of a player who wears the burgundy and gold well. Steven Czarda of the Redskins’ official website first reported the transaction.

To compensate for the subsequent opening on the roster, the Redskins addressed Jordan Reed‘s injury by signing another undrafted free agent from 2015 by the name of E.J. Bibbs. A 6-foot-2, 258 pound tight end out of Iowa State, Bibbs has only one career reception for seven yards. Now in his third year, the former Cyclone has spent time with the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars, failing to stick around at either location.

Bibbs is likely only a “plug the hole” type of signing. In order to even earn a spot on the practice squad, he’ll have to impress a lot of people. The Washington Redskins are still loaded at the tight end position, even in the absence of Jordan Reed. Vernon Davis is young again in the Redskins’ offense, and Niles Paul, Derek Carrier, and Jeremy Sprinkle all have the makings of solid receiving options.

Next: Washington Redskins place Jordan Reed on PUP list

Keep an eye out for more roster moves to materialize in the coming weeks. The impending moves will be predominantly cuts than signings, but the Redskins are no stranger to taking on players late in the offseason. In little more than a month, the roster will be down to its final count of 53. And the season strays not far after that.

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