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Redskins to waive Brandon Banks, hinting at Matt Ioannidis’ return

By Ian Cummings

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 25: The helmet of a Washington Redskins player rests on the field during warm ups against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Raymond James Stadium on November 25, 2007 in Tampa, Florida. The Bucs won 19-13. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 25: The helmet of a Washington Redskins player rests on the field during warm ups against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Raymond James Stadium on November 25, 2007 in Tampa, Florida. The Bucs won 19-13. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images) /
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The Redskins will release defensive lineman Brandon Banks after one game on the active roster.

Banks spent the offseason on the Redskins’ practice squad, and that is where he will likely end up after clearing waivers. Banks will elevated in order to compensate for the injuries along the defensive line. With his release, reported by ESPN’s John Keim, Washington may be preparing for the return of Matt Ioannidis, who is listed as day-to-day with a hand injury.

The return of Ioannidis would be a pleasant development. The former fifth-round pick was having a career year before his injury. His play fell off after his partner in crime, Jonathan Allen, suffered a season-ending injury. But nevertheless, Ioannidis would provide the Redskins’ front seven with solid play and depth that has been lacking in recent weeks. The unit’s hardships hit a climax last weekend against the Minnesota Vikings, when they were absolutely manhandled, recording no sacks and enabling Case Keenum to have a career day.

With a little bit more push up front, the Redskins can rebound from their weak showing on Sunday. Games in the NFL are won in the trenches, and with Ioannidis coming back, they’ll be a little stronger in that area in the weeks to come.

By releasing Banks, Washington is also clearing room for an addition, likely either at inside linebacker or running back. With Robert Kelley and Will Compton injured, the Redskins are in need of a new player at both positions. With the ineptitude of the running game thus far in the season, they may be more inclined to take a chance on a free agent running back with some upside, but after the defense’s troublesome effort against Minnesota, they may choose to emphasize that instead.

Next: Redskins coaches to blame for 38-30 loss to Vikings

Whatever the case, the roster in in flux at Redskins Park. Stay tuned to Riggo’s Rag for any updates on signings and tryouts, as we’ll keep you in the loop as the Redskins prepare for their final push toward the playoffs.

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