Redskins OC Scott Turner sees a role for Adrian Peterson
Adrian Peterson should have a role in the Redskins offense, per offensive coordinator Scott Turner.
The Washington Redskins have no shortage of options at the running back position this offseason. The team has emphasized adding depth and competition to their roster, and running back is one area where they invested in NFL-caliber players.
In terms of young talent, the Redskins have 2018 second-round pick Derrius Guice, 2019 fourth-round pick Bryce Love, and 2020 third-round pick Antonio Gibson on the roster. Gibson is a hybrid back/receiver, but he figures to be a versatile weapon out of the backfield in Washington.
As for the veteran options, the Redskins signed J.D. McKissic and Peyton Barber to short-term deals this offseason to compete for spots in the backfield. McKissic is a pass-catching back and former college receiver while Barber is more of an early-down runner.
Of course, Adrian Peterson is on the team as well. And while he’s 35 years old, the Redskins still envision him having a role in the offense. At least, that’s what offensive coordinator Scott Turner said in a recent press conference, per ESPN’s John Keim.
On Adrian Peterson, Scott Turner said there’s a role for him even if he’s more a first-second down back. Helps with check downs; also this is a play-action based offense so he helps set that up.
— John Keim (@john_keim) May 27, 2020
That’s a sensible analysis of what Peterson can provide for the team. Peterson can still provide an impact between the tackles. He can function as a receiver too, but the team will just have some options that are better than him.
The team has several backs who can catch passes better than Peterson. And Turner mentioned three hybrid players who he is focused on getting touches in 2020, per NBC Sports Washington’s JP Finlay.
Scott Turner names Steven Sims, Antonio Gibson and JD McKissic as players he needs to creatively get the ball to
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) May 27, 2020
Because these three players can play both as receivers and out of the backfield (as we saw Sims do last year) the Redskins may be more of a back-by-committee set up this season. They could also use the short passing game as a running game of sorts, a strategy that is becoming more popular in the NFL. So, that will siphon some touches and opportunities from Peterson, who finished second among the Redskins RBs last season in catches with 17 (23 targets).
Still, Peterson should carve out a role as Turner noted. What Peterson provides more than anything else is a veteran presence in the locker room. Beyond that, he still generates yards (4.2 yards per carry in two years with the Redskins) and has been durable during his time in Washington; he has functioned as a lead back and the only game he missed was due to Jay Gruden’s decision to bench him for the 2019 opener, a seriously questionable decision given the team’s inability to run the ball in that contest.
Peterson’s role will likely become more defined once training camp rolls around, whenever that may be. He may not get as many touches as he has in years past, but he should still be involved unless all of the team’s young talent surpasses him.
But it’s hard to imagine the future Hall of Famer letting that happen.
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Peterson seems ready to contribute in whatever way possible for the Redskins. And the coaching staff sees the value in having him around. It should be fun to watch him continue his quest to pass Barry Sanders on the NFL’s all-time rushing yards list.