Five Redskins position battles to watch in Week 2 of preseason

No. 2 – Backup Linebacker

Battle: Shaun Dion Hamilton vs. Josh Harvey-Clemons vs. Martrell Spaight vs. Zach Vigil

For the Washington Redskins, the inside linebacker is a position that still has plenty of settling to do. Zach Brown and Mason Foster are locked in as the team’s starters, and they’re good ones at that. But behind them, predicting the pecking order is equivalent to a guessing game.

Every week, it seems like there’s a new hot hand at the backup linebacker spot. Late in the season last year, Zach Vigil was the latest steal at the position, providing solid play as a midseason hire. Early in training camp this year, the Josh Harvey-Clemons hype train chugged along, as he was viewed as the primary backup. His immense potential only fueled the proverbial flame.

Now, after the first game of preseason, we can safely say that sixth-round rookie Shaun Dion Hamilton has earned the favor of his coaches with a solid performance. He was our own Jacob Camenker’s top performer of the night, as he led the team in tackles, showing off his enticing blend of speed, fundamental acuity, and mental prowess. Quietly, Martrell Spaight also had a decent night, but Hamilton was the biggest gainer.

Against the Jets, with Harvey-Clemons dealing with a hamstring injury, will Hamilton string together two complete games? Or will Zach Vigil make his case on the national stage? The Redskins will have a very tough decision to make at this position later this month. The hope is that the Jets game will provide some sort of clarity.