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Predicting the Redskins inactives for Week 1 vs. Cardinals

By Jacob Camenker

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 30: Rob Kelley #20 of the Washington Redskins is tackled by Kenny Young #40 of the Baltimore Ravens in the first half of a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 30: Rob Kelley #20 of the Washington Redskins is tackled by Kenny Young #40 of the Baltimore Ravens in the first half of a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 30: A Washington Redskins helmet sits on the grass before the start of the Redskins and Baltimore Ravens preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 30: A Washington Redskins helmet sits on the grass before the start of the Redskins and Baltimore Ravens preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Christian is an extremely raw player. He’s also the fourth tackle on the roster. That doesn’t bode well for his chances of being active on game day.

Generally speaking, NFL teams keep seven offensive linemen active for games. The Redskins have five firmly entrenched starters and four backups. So, they will need to sit two of the backups. It appears that Ty Nsekhe will reprise his role as the reserve tackle and that would leave Christian as the odd man out.

During the preseason, Christian didn’t show a lot to make the case that he was an NFL ready talent. His skill set was more based on his size, length, and athleticism than his actual on-field production. That said, he’s going to need more time to develop before he can be trusted, and both Jay Gruden and Bill Callahan realize this.

In an ideal scenario, Christian wouldn’t have to be active at all this season. He could stay on the bench and learn from the guys around him and treat his rookie season like a redshirt year. That may not end up happening, but that certainly seems like the primary goal for the Redskins.

Christian was always seen as a down-the-line type of player. That’s why some were concerned when the team spent a third-round pick on him. For now, he’s a potential-packed option, but if he sees the field early in the 2018 season, the Redskins could find themselves in trouble.

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