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The Washington Redskins are cutting running back Kapri Bibbs, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
The #Redskins are cutting RB Kapri Bibbs, source said. They had a logjam there, even with the slew of injuries.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 1, 2018
The move is shocking to say the least. Yes, the Redskins had a logjam at running back even before Adrian Peterson was brought into the mix following a string of injuries. However, Bibbs appeared to show what he was worth with his ability to pass protect and catch out of the backfield.
With his skill set, Bibbs appeared to be a insurance policy and backup at third down back to Chris Thompson, who is recovering from a broken leg suffered late last season. In Washington’s final preseason game on Thursday, Bibbs impressed with three catches for 41 yards and a 11 yards on two carries. However, that may not have been enough to keep him as part of the 53-man roster.
There could be numerous reasons why Bibbs was released. Although, it appeared Samaje Perine, a fourth-round draft pick in 2017, had played his way on the bubble after fumbling twice in the preseason, a carryover from his struggles last season.
However, Bibbs is more likely to revert back to Washington as a practice squad member. Waiving Perine, may not yield the same results. And after investing in the Oklahoma product, who led the Redskins in rushing as a rookie last season, Washington’s front office may not want to take the risk of Perine being claimed or signed away on the open market.
Another factor may be the health of Byron Marshall. Marshall presumably started training camp ahead of Bibbs for the backup third down role. Unfortunately, Marshall suffered an ankle injury in the second preseason game against the New York Jets, forcing him to be shut down for the remainder of the preseason.
Marshall is a candidate to go on the injured reserve but return to the Redskins. However, Marshall would need to be included in the initial 53-man roster before being placed on IR with a destination to return later in the season. If he is placed on IR as a cut down move to get to 53 players, he is then done for the season and could not return in the regular season.
There’s a remote chance, Bibbs may be added after Marshall is placed on IR after the Saturday’s 4:00 p.m. cut down deadline. It’s anyone’s guess but for now losing a potentially solid running back is mind-boggling to some fans.
