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5 Redskins in danger of not making the regular season roster

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 17: Running Back Kapri Bibbs #39 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after rushing for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field on December 17, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 17: Running Back Kapri Bibbs #39 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after rushing for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field on December 17, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – AUGUST 16: Running back Rob Kelley #20 of the Washington Redskins is tackled by defensive tackle Leonard Williams #92 of the New York Jets in the first half of a preseason game at FedExField on August 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – AUGUST 16: Running back Rob Kelley #20 of the Washington Redskins is tackled by defensive tackle Leonard Williams #92 of the New York Jets in the first half of a preseason game at FedExField on August 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

5. RB Rob Kelley

Much has been made about how Adrian Peterson‘s performance in preseason Week 3 makes Kelley expendable. While on paper that statement may be true, there are a couple of important things to consider before writing Kelley off the roster entirely.

The first is that Jay Gruden absolutely loves Kelley. In the first two preseason games, Kelley was given the start for the Redskins. It wasn’t Derrius Guice in Week 1. It wasn’t Samaje Perine in Week 2. Each time, Kelley was on the field as the top back and while he may not have proven very effective in that role, it’s still worth noting that Kelley has Gruden’s trust.

Additionally, Kelley has improved with each preseason game and even though the Redskins struggled in the third preseason contest, Kelley had some nice moments and looked better than he had in the first two games. Kelley isn’t going to be a starter, but as a rotational short yardage back who can wear down a defense, there is a spot for him on the roster.

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It also helps Kelley’s cause that he can play special teams. He was on the opening kickoff team and thanks to his solid blocking ability, he could have a role in those packages as well.

Despite all of the positives with Kelley, the fact is that there are likely just four spots available for running backs on the roster. Peterson and Chris Thompson seem to be roster locks while Perine should also be in that territory (although it’s uncertain whether or not he is). If the team elects to keep a backup receiving back, which is something that has been thought to be true throughout the preseason, Kelley could find himself getting the ax.

Kelley is certainly a player to watch come cut day, as the decision about whether or not to keep him could have a ripple effect on the rest of the roster. For now, Kelley remains firmly on the bubble and his status is truly a coin flip, though Gruden could change that assessment at any moment.

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