Redskins to host free agent RB Orleans Darkwa for a workout

Just a few weeks ago, the Redskins’ running back stable was one of the deepest in the league, with an electric , uber-talented rookie at the helm.

Fast-forward to today, and the Washington Redskins have been forced to turn to the free agent market to bolster a dangerously thin position group.

Things happen fast in the NFL.

After waiving Martez Carter earlier today, Washington is down to just two healthy running backs: Robert Kelley and Kapri Bibbs. Samaje Perine and Byron Marshall both have at least a week or two to heal from respective injuries sustained in their Week 2 preseason contest. The Redskins once had five competent backs. Now, they’re bringing in an outside hire for a tryout: Former New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa.

This late into the summer, Darkwa could be a very good signing for Washington. The 26-year old running back is coming off his best season yet. With the Giants in 2017, Darkwa ran for 751 yards and five touchdowns on 171 carries, averaging around 4.4 yards per carry. He fared well behind the Giants’ makeshift offensive line.

With a clean health history, at least a couple of peak years left, and a track record of recent production, Darkwa is by far the best option left out on the free agent market. As a former undrafted free agent, he has his limitations, but he’s a capable runner who would undoubtedly give the Redskins a much-needed infusion of depth. And this late into the summer, he’d come very cheap.

It’s unclear why Darkwa hasn’t commanded a bigger market up to this point, but the Redskins don’t have the breathing room to worry about that after witnessing more than half of their running back stable collapse in the last two weeks. Darkwa’s acquisition wouldn’t be a costly one, and the reward could be great for the Redskins. It’s hard to say how much playing time he’d command over Robert Kelley and Samaje Perine, but Washington can’t afford to keep the position this thin.