The Washington Redskins are set to open their 2019 season against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday. However, they will be do so without last season’s leading rusher. According to the NFL Network, the Redskins plan to make Adrian Peterson inactive for Sunday’s game in a coach’s decision.
Peterson was signed by the Redskins last year after then-rookie Derrius Guice suffered a torn ACL in the preseason opener. With a lack of depth Peterson led the Redskins with 1,042 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. He was voted the Redskins Offensive Player of the Year.
However, Guice is healthy this year. After showcasing his return against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3 of the preseason, Guice was named the starting running back. With Chris Thompson back and set to be the third down back, Peterson surprisingly is the odd man out.
Redskins head coach Jay Gruden had hinted to the possibility Peterson would not be among the 46 players allowed to dress Sunday against the Eagles. Under Gruden, the Redskins have usually had three active running backs for each game, the starter, a third down back, and one that could contribute on special teams.
Wendell Smallwood, who the Redskins claimed off waivers last week from the Eagles, is expected to be active along with Guice and Thompson. Smallwood is expected to play special teams, something Peterson is not known for.
Considering the standards of Gruden, the decision makes sense, however, it’s at the expense of their best proven offensive player. And certain to puzzle fans and media alike. It also opens the possibility of another hurdling distraction.
How long Adrian Peterson continues to be inactive will determine if this story becomes unsettling or grows deeper.
