The Washington Redskins are bleeding at running back and are now forced to take measures to maintain for the final two weeks of the preseason. They are down to two fully healthy running backs — Kapri Bibbs and Robert Kelley — after a string of injuries at the position that includes Derrius Guice (ACL), Samaje Perine (ankle) and Byron Marshall (ankle). Washington also had to waive undrafted rookie Martez Carter with an injury designation.
After head coach Jay Gruden hinted the team will hold workouts with free agent running backs starting Sunday, John Keim of ESPN.com reports former New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa will have a workout on Sunday with the Redskins.
Entering training camp, running backs was arguably the Redskins’ strongest position in terms of the amount of talent on the roster. Kelley, Perine, Bibbs, Marshall, and Chris Thompson, who is recovering from a broken leg suffered late last season, each played a significant role throughout the 2017 season due to a rash of injuries then. Unfortunately, that injury bug has carried over to the 2018 preseason and after the first two games, Washington is left with just two fully healthy backs.
Last season, Darkwa led the Giants with 751 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns after signing a one-year deal to remain with the team. The 26 year-old spent the past four seasons in all with the Giants after a small stint with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted rookie.
The Redskins will need a running back or two in order to get up to par for the final two preseason games. They will host the Denver Broncos on Friday.
