Redskins: Five players to watch in Week 2 vs. the Cowboys

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 28: Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins scores a touchdown against Nate Stupar #57 of the New York Giants during their game at MetLife Stadium on October 28, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

No. 4 – Redskins RB Adrian Peterson

Many wished that Adrian Peterson would start the first game of the season, and that Washington would carry on with him as the starter. Now, by means no one wanted, that wish is coming true in Week 2.

Derrius Guice reportedly has a torn meniscus, and he’ll be out for at least half of the season; his recovery could span longer than even that. The unfortunate development makes Guice, a young and talented back, an injured reserve candidate, and it makes Peterson the lead man in the clubhouse once again.

Peterson has plenty of supporters after his Cinderella 1,000-yard season in 2018, but he also has onlookers who like to temper their expectations from him (Yours truly). He’s older yet in 2019, and while he undeniably attained success last season, he wasn’t a very efficient runner, especially behind Washington’s offensive line.

That said, Jay Gruden was always comfortable putting more weight on Peterson’s shoulders in 2018, and with Guice out, he has no choice but to do the same one year later, as much as he may have wanted to turn the page to the next era. The future will have to wait; AP wants one more take.

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