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Re-evaluating the Redskins RB depth chart after Derrius Guice’s injury

By Jacob Camenker

FOXBOROUGH, MA - AUGUST 9 : Colt McCoy #12 of the Washington Redskins hands the ball off to Rob Kelley #20 during the preseason game between the New England Patriots and the Washington Redskins at Gillette Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - AUGUST 9 : Colt McCoy #12 of the Washington Redskins hands the ball off to Rob Kelley #20 during the preseason game between the New England Patriots and the Washington Redskins at Gillette Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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FOXBOROUGH, MA – AUGUST 9 : Byron Marshall #34 of the Washington Redskins runs in for a touchdown past Duron Harmon #21 of the New England Patriots during the preseason game between the New England Patriots and the Washington Redskins at Gillette Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA – AUGUST 9 : Byron Marshall #34 of the Washington Redskins runs in for a touchdown past Duron Harmon #21 of the New England Patriots during the preseason game between the New England Patriots and the Washington Redskins at Gillette Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Backup Receiving Back: Byron Marshall

It’s possible that Marshall could play a bigger role than this. In the wake of Guice’s injury and the fact that Thompson might not be 100 percent until a month or so into the season, Marshall could see some snaps as a runner/receiver combo. And that could turn him into a weapon.

Marshall isn’t the tallest back at 5-foot-9, but he does have a 225-pound frame that should afford him an opportunity to handle more between the tackles runs than Thompson. If Marshall ends up splitting snaps with Thompson as the veteran continues to work his way back from a broken leg, he could be used a bit differently, as he could probably withstand more hits than the 195-pound Thompson.

Of course, Marshall doesn’t come with a lot of proven production at the NFL level. He only has 41 touches in seven games through two seasons in the league. Still, he was trending towards a potentially solid replacement for Thompson last season before he suffered a season-ending injury of his own. Plus, he was a hyper-productive college player. So, with more volume, perhaps he could produce more.

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Also helping Marshall’s cause for the roster is the fact that Jay Gruden seems to like him. Gruden has praised his ability as a receiver, so that could give him a good chance to make the final roster. Also, Marshall has some special teams value and that extra versatility will definitely be a factor when making the cut down to 53.

Alex Smith loves throwing to receiving backs, so keeping Marshall would help to keep the veteran quarterback comfortable as well. For the moment, it seems that Marshall is the top depth player that will have a legitimate chance to make the roster.

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