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5 players to watch in Redskins Week 8 matchup vs. the Cowboys

By Ian Cummings

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 24: Jordan Reed (86) of the Washington Redskins catches a touchdown pass during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 24, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 24: Jordan Reed (86) of the Washington Redskins catches a touchdown pass during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 24, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – AUGUST 31: Running back Peyton Barber #43 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gets pressure from outside linebacker Martrell Spaight #50 of the Washington Redskins during a carry in the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game on August 31, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – AUGUST 31: Running back Peyton Barber #43 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gets pressure from outside linebacker Martrell Spaight #50 of the Washington Redskins during a carry in the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game on August 31, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

No. 2 – ILB Martrell Spaight

Zach Brown was listed as a DNP on the injury report due to a back injury he sustained against the Eagles. If he’s limited, or out in a worst-case scenario, against the Cowboys, then Martrell Spaight will be next in line to start alongside Mason Foster.

Spaight is a thumper, and he doesn’t suffer in run stoppage. Rather, Spaight’s coverage skills are questionable. He can make open field tackles, and he’s very good at doing that, but when he’s asked to be mobile and light on his feet, the former Arkansas Razorback has struggled in the past. Against a Cowboys’ offense with a lot of weapons, the pressure will be on Spaight to produce.

There’s no guarantee that Zach Brown sits out Sunday, but being unable to participate on Wednesday isn’t a good sign. If he can’t play, or if he can’t stay on the field as often, then Spaight will come out in his place. And the Cowboys will put a target on Spaight’s head immediately.

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It’ll be telling to see how far Spaight has come since being drafted in the seventh round in 2015. One would hope he’s made a big leap. But so far, we’ve seen him as a mixed bag. He’s a guy who only brings so much to the table. And on Sunday, he’ll have to bring a little bit more.

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