The Washington Redskins are set to play their second of four preseason games Thursday against the Cincinnati Bengals. It will be their home opener at FedEx Field. With 90 players on the roster and not all starters set here’s a guide with 10 players fans should keep an eye on.
1. Dwayne Haskins, QB
All eyes will certainly be on first-round pick and future franchise quarterback Dwayne Haskins. He will be looking to improve on his performance last week against the Cleveland Browns in which threw two interceptions, including a pick-six. Right now, it appears he is competing to be able to dress on Sundays as the backup QB as opposed to be inactive third on the depth chart. Nonetheless, he will always draw the most attention given he is the future of the franchise.
2. Case Keenum, QB
Colt McCoy will miss his second straight preseason game, as his leg he broke in December continues to prevent him from getting on the playing field. Meanwhile, Case Keenum, who the Redskins acquired in an off-season trade from Denver, has stepped towards being the Week 1 starter for the regular season. Thursday against the Bengals, Keenum has the opportunity to put his stamp on the QB competition and stand out.
3. Geron Christian, LT
Trent Williams continues to hold out with no immediate end in sight. That leaves the Redskins searching for an answer to protect the quarterbacks’ blindside. Geron Christian was drafted by the team last year to be their swing tackle. However, the latest development has pushed him to a chance to be the Week 1 starter at left tackle. He has the inside track considering Washington’s investment in him. Christian has a lot to gain if he impresses and shows he is ready to be trusted.
4. Donald Penn, LT
Donald Penn was signed last month to help resolve the absence of Trent Williams. Penn has 174 career starts which obviously dwarfs Christian’s experience in the NFL. However, Penn is still coming up to speed with the Redskins, as with his performance against the Browns. If Christian does not impress, the 36-year old will have door open to him being the Week 1 starter.
5. Ereck Flowers, LG
The left side of the Redskins’ offensive line is in shambles. The Trent Williams’ holdout only added to an already glaring need at left guard. Ereck Flowers has been a wreck throughout his career and this year’s training camp at left tackle. Last week he got the start at left guard and drew a holding penalty on the opening series. He has to bounce back to hold off rookie Wes Martin.
6. Cole Holcomb, ILB
It appears Shaun Dion Hamilton won’t play Thursday as he nurses a chest injury, he suffered last week against the Browns. That leaves the door open for rookie Cole Holcomb to get the opportunity to show what he can do with the proposed first unit. If Holcomb starts, he will most likely play the Mo linebacker spot next to the Mike, Jon Bostic. Then he will switch to the Mike with the second unit. So, there will be a lot to see on the North Carolina product which could go a long way on how much he plays as a rookie this season.
7. Montez Sweat, EDGE
The Redskins’ other first-round pick from this year’s draft, Montez Sweat, could make his preseason debut Thursday against the Bengals. He got kicked in his calf in a previous practice and the Redskins held him out of the Browns game. Sweat has been impressive by all accounts throughout training camp, when healthy. Getting him on the field and seeing reps is imperative, considering he is expected to be an immediate contributor in Greg Manusky’s defense.
8. Jimmy Moreland, CB
The seventh-round pick Jimmy Moreland has become the “People’s Corner” with his impressive plays throughout training camp. In his first game last week he was as good as advertised, coming up with three pass breakups while forcing two fumbles in the red zone.
The James Madison product is knocking on the door to get into the top-4 CB rotation. Another good game against the Bengals will almost certain knock the door down.
9. Robert Davis, WR
The Redskins may be holding out hope for 2016 first-round bust Josh Doctson, but Robert Davis has been one of the better wide receivers throughout camp. He had a solid showing against the Browns. If he can follow up with another good showing against the Bengals, Jay Gruden and his offensive staff may have to consider Davis playing a huge role at wide receiver. And if he does, maybe the Redskins can start cutting the cord from Doctson?
10. Samaje Perine, RB
The Redskins will most likely carry four running backs, even though they usually only dress three on Sundays. However, with Derrius Guice still not cleared for full contact after his torn ACL from a season ago, and given the injury history of Chris Thompson, believe it or not Samaje Perine still has a great chance of making the 53-man roster.
Gruden has talked him up all summer, but against the Browns he was disappointing with 13 yards on six carries. And two pass targets off screens produced one yard. Perine has to show a glimpse of what he can do or else he will be challenged for that fourth spot from a hungry undrafted Craig Reynolds.
