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Five free agent running backs Redskins could sign after Derrius Guice’s injury

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 21: Running back Kapri Bibbs #46 of the Washington Redskins runs into the end zone for a 23-yard touchdown after catching a pass in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField on October 21, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 21: Running back Kapri Bibbs #46 of the Washington Redskins runs into the end zone for a 23-yard touchdown after catching a pass in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField on October 21, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 30: Jay Ajayi #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs with the ball while defended by Kendrick Lewis #28 of the Tennessee Titans in the third quarter at Nissan Stadium on Sept. 30, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 30: Jay Ajayi #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs with the ball while defended by Kendrick Lewis #28 of the Tennessee Titans in the third quarter at Nissan Stadium on Sept. 30, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

1. RB Jay Ajayi

Of the running backs left on the free-agent market, Ajayi stands out as the most talented. The now-26-year-old made a big difference for the Eagles in 2017 when he was acquired in a trade with the Miami Dolphins. He gave them a true lead back to use in their rotation. And if healthy, he could provide Washington with a great complement to Peterson.

Health is the big concern with Ajayi. He suffered a torn ACL in 2018 and that prematurely ended his second season with the Eagles. The ended up being his last with the team and he has remained on the free-agent market since that time due to concerns about the overall health of his knee. Some say that it may be “bone on bone” which would explain why he hasn’t gotten work yet.

Still, if Guice is out long-term, taking a chance on Ajayi could be worth it. The team could sign him to a cheap, short-term deal to see if he’s worth anything. If not, they could part with him. But if he does turn into a solid contributor, that could give them at least another option at the position short-term. And it would give them the opportunity to bring him back the next year and make him part of the rotation.

Even if Ajayi proved himself and then Guice returned, the Redskins could try to offload him for a draft pick ahead of the deadline. There’s little downside to targeting a guy like Ajayi depending on the severity of Guice’s injury. They may not ultimately show interest in him, but it would at least be worth it to take a look at the veteran, especially given that he has Super Bowl experience.

Next. Three takeaways from Redskins vs. Eagles. dark

These running back options all have their pros and cons, but it still doesn’t seem likely that the team would sign any. That said, if they find themselves needing a veteran for their backfield, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see one of these guys get the call.

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