Turns out newly acquired Redskins running back Wendell Smallwood was a popular guy. According to ESPN’s Field Yates, Smallwood was the most claimed player off waivers this following teams final cuts Saturday.
Smallwood was claimed by four teams, however, he was awarded to the Redskins based on the waiver order. That may dispel a lot of people who suggested Washington claimed the former Philadelphia Eagles running back because of their nearing Week 1 matchup against Smallwood’s former team.
Redskins head coach Jay Gruden helped dispel the insinuation as well, per Craig Hoffman of 106.7 the Fan.
Washington released running back Byron Marshall to make room for Smallwood. Smallwood appears to be the better special teams player, but he also is an upgrade as the fourth running back.
Washington likes to categorize their running backs as featured and third-down/scatback. Derrius Guice and Adrian Peterson will be one and two on the depth chart as the feature. Wendall Smallwood with his in-game experience (37 games, 12 starts) with the Eagles can slot right in as the backup third-down back behind Chris Thompson. So there, he will be more than just an intel for preparing against the Eagles.
