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Breaking down the Redskins’ running back depth chart for 2019

By Jacob Camenker

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 11: Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins rushes during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 11, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 11: Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins rushes during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 11, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 08: Chris Thompson #25 of the Washington Redskins runs with the ball as Kurt Coleman #29 of the New Orleans Saints defends at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on October 8, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 08: Chris Thompson #25 of the Washington Redskins runs with the ball as Kurt Coleman #29 of the New Orleans Saints defends at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on October 8, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

Third Down/Receiving Back: RB Chris Thompson

Thompson has been occupying this role for the Redskins over the course of the past four years. He has done a very good job in that capacity and at times, has been one of the better receivers on the ‘Skins team.

In 2017, Thompson was en route to being one of the team’s leading receivers, catching 39 passes for 510 yards and four scores while averaging a career-high 13.1 yards per reception before suffering a season-ending injury. Thompson wasn’t quite as effective in 2018, but he still made some splash plays early in the season and was the perfect check-down weapon for Alex Smith to target.

What Thompson offers is speed, elusiveness, and the ability to find space. Essentially, if you can get the ball to him in the open field, he will have a good chance to rack up yardage. His versatility also helps him out, as he can line up in a few different areas as a receiver while still being able to handle a few between-the-tackle opportunities.

The only concern with Thompson is that he hasn’t been able to stay healthy over the course of the past couple seasons. He has missed 12-of-32 games for the ‘Skins and has been limited in some other ones. His athletic ability may get sapped by the repeated, nagging injuries and that could explain why his yards per touch mark last year (5.3) was the second-lowest in his career.

Still, when healthy, Thompson can make a big impact and be a game-breaking threat for the squad. There isn’t any (fully healthy) candidate that could take over for him in full at least to start the season.

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