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Redskins: Predicting the practice squad following the cut to 53

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 17: Running back Kapri Bibbs #39 and offensive guard Arie Kouandjio #60 of the Washington Redskins celebrate after 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 and offensive guard Arie Kouandjio #60 of the Washington Redskins celebrate after 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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PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 1: J.P. Holtz #86 of the Pittsburgh Panthers dives into the end zone for an 11-yard touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Duke Blue Devils at Heinz Field on November 1, 2014 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 1: J.P. Holtz #86 of the Pittsburgh Panthers dives into the end zone for an 11-yard touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Duke Blue Devils at Heinz Field on November 1, 2014 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

TE/FB J.P. Holtz

Holtz was considered by some a potential candidate to make the roster as a tight end/fullback hybrid. After the departure of Niles Paul, there was a hole at the blocking tight end position, and Holtz really looked like he was the best option there.

In the first two preseason games, Holtz had numerous key blocks on runs for Samaje Perine and Adrian Peterson. Notably, he had the block that sprung Perine on his 30-yard gain and also made a couple of key blocks on Peterson’s best runs as well. Considering that Peterson had success running behind a fullback during his career, Holtz making the roster was a possibility.

However, it was also noted that Gruden hasn’t kept a fullback on his roster since becoming the Redskins head coach. He just doesn’t value the position very highly, so Holtz was facing an uphill battle because of that.

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Even with Holtz showing more as a receiver (two catches for 11 yards and a TD) and continuing to thrive as a blocker in the preseason finale, it wasn’t enough to get him onto the initial 53. That said, him being stashed on the practice squad and getting a call-up part way through the season would make a great deal of sense.

Holtz has a skill set that few other players on the Redskins have. And if the run game struggles to start the year, a real possibility given the stable of backs that they have and their lack of depth on the offensive line, Holtz could get added to the roster to try and help at that position.

Here’s hoping that the Redskins find a way to keep Holtz around. As a midseason roster option, he could have an impact, so stashing him on the practice squad for now would be a sensible move.

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