The Washington Redskins have a talented group of running backs highlighted by the veteran workhorse Adrian Peterson, Derrius Guice, who is filled with potential, and the all-purpose back Chris Thompson. However, Redskins head coach says don’t miscount Samaje Perine.
“You can’t discard Samaje Perine. I can’t stress that enough,” Gruden said Thursday per Craig Hoffman of 106.7 the Fan.
Gruden added that Perine has been “great” not just running but catching and with pass-protection.
This is not the first time that Gruden has praised Perine this off-season. During mandatory mini-camp, Gruden mentioned that Perine factors into the Redskins’ running back situation.
“Perine has done an excellent job. He’s been one of our top performers on offense, really,” Gruden said in June per JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington. “Perine has continued to get stronger and stronger in the weight room. He’s a powerful running back and he has not had the opportunities that he probably deserves or needs. But we just have to figure out a way to make the competition fair and play the best player, no matter whom they are or where they’re from.”
Figuring out how to get reps for Perine is sure to be a challenge with Peterson, Guice, and Thompson healthy and being full participants in training camp.
After leading the Redskins in rushing in his rookie season, Perine took a considerable step back in 2018, his sophomore season. An ankle injury and his inability to secure the football led him into the Jay Gruden doghouse. Perine appeared in just five games, as he was inactive for much of the season, rushing for 32 yards on eight carries.
However, Perine has worked this off-season and has impressed Gruden, who is trying to find ways to get him in the crowded backfield. It’s hard to imagine he can shake up the depth chart at running back, but at the very least with his coach singing praises, Perine will have eyes glued to his performance during the preseason.
Given there are still question marks surrounding Peterson’s age and durability, Guice’s health coming off a torn ACL, and Thompson, who has dealt with injuries each of the last two seasons, it will be prudent of Gruden and the Redskins to give Perine a good and long look through training camp and preseason.
