The Washington Redskins cut 34 players on Saturday, helping to trim their roster to the NFL-mandated 53 players. Here’s a closer look at the final cuts:
Most significant move: Keeping five running backs. The Redskins released preseason standout and fan favorite Kapri Bibbs, but they did hang on to five backs after privately saying for a couple of weeks that they’d keep only four. However, Byron Marshall will eventually be placed on injured reserve as he recovers from a knee injury suffered in the second preseason game. They'd also like to get Bibbs onto the practice squad. Still, with the four who are healthy they have only one true third-down back in Chris Thompson. He's coming off an injury, but has said he's feeling much better and is capable of handling a full load. They also now have three first- and second-down backs with Adrian Peterson, Rob Kelley and Samaje Perine. Peterson’s age (33) and concern over his 16-game availability led to the Redskins' keeping two backups for him, at least initially.
Undrafted standouts: The Redskins kept three players who were undrafted free agents this spring in corner Danny Johnson, receiver Cam Sims and offensive lineman Casey Dunn. Johnson’s early play was among the reasons why Washington felt comfortable releasing veteran Orlando Scandrick. Sims emerged after a quiet career at Alabama, where he caught 14 passes for 207 yards and a touchdown last season. He’ll likely be the Redskins’ sixth receiver, but his ability to play both X and Z and help on special teams mattered. It’s why they chose him over veteran Brian Quick. The Redskins will look to add more offensive linemen so Dunn ultimately might end up on the practice squad.
More to come: The Redskins likely will continue to seek offensive line depth. They had wanted to keep nine or possibly 10 offensive linemen and, while they did keep center/guard Casey Dunn, there’s a chance he’ll still end up on the practice squad. They’d also consider adding a fullback/tight end to help when they want to use a lot of I-formation runs, but it is not a necessity. The Redskins are thin in secondary depth, with three rookie corner backups and one rookie safety.
Redskins moves: Released: DL Phil Taylor, RB Kapri Bibbs, QB Kevin Hogan, QB Connor Jessop, WR Shay Fields, WR Brian Quick, WR Darvin Kidsy, WR Daniel Williams, WR Simmie Cobbs Jr., TE Matt Flanagan, TE J.P. Holtz, TE Garrett Hudson, LB Dadi Nicolas, LB Martrell Spaight, LB Jerod Fernandez, LB Pete Robertson, LB Vontae Diggs, LB Cassanova McKinzy, OL Demetrius Rhaney, OL Kendall Calhoun, OL Isaiah Williams, OL T.J. Clemmings, OL Timon Parris, OL Kyle Kalis, OL John Kling, S Quin Blanding, S Kenny Ladler, CB Prince Charles Iworah, NT Ondre Pipkins, DE Dante Sawyer, RB De'Veon Smith, CB Ranthony Texada, S Fish Smithson, DT JoJo Wicker; Injured reserve: G Tyler Catalina; PUP: DE Stacy McGee; Active/non-football injury list: CB Josh Holsey