Despite being endorsed by his head coach Jay Gruden throughout the summer, Samaje Perine has been released by the Washington Redskins, according to ESPN’s John Keim.
The Redskins are set at running back with Adrian Peterson, Derrius Guice, and Chris Thompson all healthy this year. However, Perine was pegged to be the fourth running back and his head coach talked highly on him.
Unfortunately, Gruden’s high praise didn’t translate on the field. Perine failed to show consistent quick burst or ability to get to the second level in running lanes. Meanwhile, Perine’s release means Byron Marshall will be the Redskins’ fourth running back.
Marshall proved to be a better option on third down as a receiver and pass protection as well as special teams. He also can get to the second level running the football.
Perine’s fall from grace was rather quick in Washington. As a rookie he led the Redskins in rushing in 2017 with 603 yards. However, fumbling issues and an ankle injury in 2018 led to the Redskins signing Adrian Peterson and Perine being buried on the depth chart in Gruden’s doghouse.
Perine never quite recovered and was able to prove viable for the Redskins behind the other more versatile running backs.
