Redskins roster bubble stock report: Undrafted rookies making their case

Other players to watch on offense

Redskins QB Dwayne Haskins: Some have said that Dwayne Haskins should not be rushed, both to avoid injury and to avoid putting him on the field before he’s ready. But if you ask me, I think he’s well on his way to being ready. Readiness is not defined by consistent success. It’s defined by consistent growth and a positive response to on-field adversity. Haskins displayed both on Thursday.

We still need another week or two to decide whether he’s truly ready to start, but he should get reps with the first team next week. Ask yourself: Would you rather go 8-8 at best with Case Keenum, or give Haskins the reps he’s responded positively to thus far? The risk of injury is always present in the NFL. It’s not smart to dictate the development of a quarterback based on a totally volatile aspect of the game. The decision should be about the quarterback himself.

All quarterbacks develop differently. Some need the reps. Some need to sit. Patrick Mahomes and Carson Wentz are two recent examples of both. Haskins, to me, has displayed traits that suggest he’d benefit from the on-field action. He already has, in fact. And if he’s nearing readiness, then he’s not actually being rushed.

Redskins QB Jalan McClendon: Washington’s newly-signed fourth quarterback got some action on Thursday night; he was only 2 for 2 for 12 yards, but he showed good arm strength and mobility, and he connected with Kelvin Harmon on a deep ball that was called back. McClendon won’t be making a bid for the final roster, but if he does enough, he could earn a practice squad spot.

Redskins RB Shaun Wilson: Wilson flashed his speed and burst in Thursday’s game, and he also showed valuable utility as a returner. Unfortunately, he was carted off the field in the fourth quarter, and his status is uncertain moving forward.

Redskins WR Kelvin Harmon: Kelvin Harmon showed off his ability to dominate contested situations late, but both of his deep receptions were called back for offensive pass interference penalties. The penalties were suspect, but if this continues to happen, it’s worth questioning how viable Harmon’s style of play is. Either way, he showed some promise, and Jay Gruden doesn’t seem worried about the calls against him. But perhaps he should be worried about Harmon’s lack of speed. It’s the reason Harmon slipped to Round 6, and we’ve begun to see why. Separating, an important part of a receiver’s game, is not easy for him at the NFL level.

Redskins TE Donald Parham: Still no sign of Donald Parham on offense. At 6-foot-8, it was assumed he’d stand out quickly, but he has not. Perhaps he’ll see more action as a pass catcher in Week 4, but that might be too late to make a roster push.

Redskins LT Donald Penn: Donald Penn started at left tackle for Washington against the Bengals, as was expected. He showed why he’s an upgrade over Christian, but his lack of spryness was an issue at times. Still, he should be able to do a serviceable job of keeping the left side clean, as he continues to introduce himself to the scheme. Ereck Flowers did fairly well next to him; he still has flaws to overcome, but he’s showing promising physicality at the point of attack.

Redskins backup OL: Tony Bergstrom and Geron Christian can both afford to be bad, for their roster chances. But the team can’t afford them to be bad, if a starter goes down with injury. Unfortunately, the two were bad anyway. Christian’s fundamental issues continue to plague him, and Bergstrom’s lack of strength on the interior is noticeable. In contrast, Timon Parris played fairly well, strengthening his case to make the roster.