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Tuesday, August 31, 2004
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Hardest Decisions on Cuts Postponed
Former Redskins linebacker Kevin Mitchell (55) helps take down Carolina's Steve Smith
in preseason
play.
The Redskins did little to address their most competitive positions in the first wave
of roster
cuts, leaving the hardest decisions until next week. There were no surprises in the
group,
save for veteran linebacker Kevin Mitchell -
http://letters.washingtonpost.com/W7RT044A3700E84658B4F3FA6C34C0
, perhaps, although he stood a slim chance of being among the final 53 players either
way.
Washington will officially be down to 76 players by this afternoon and will have to
remove
23 more players from the roster by Sept. 5 (the team can then sign eight players to
the practice
squad). The toughest battles – at wide receiver, running back and tight
end/H-Back –
will continue into Friday's preseason final against the Atlanta Falcons -
http://letters.washingtonpost.com/W7RT044A3760984658B4F3FA6C34C0
at FedEx Field. Coach Joe Gibbs is expected to continue playing his starters and top
reserves
in that game rather than sit them out, as many clubs do in their final exhibition
contest.
That will provide a final forum for borderline players to win a spot on the team.
The Redskins are still carrying six running backs and will likely have to cut two
players
from among Ladell Betts, Rock Cartwright, Sultan McCullough and John Simon, with
Clinton Portis
solidified as the starter and Chad Morton entrenched as a situational back and kick
returner.
With Betts returning from injury and showing well in a limited role against the St.
Louis Rams
- http://letters.washingtonpost.com/W7RT044A3730B84658B4F3FA6C34C0 on Friday
night, he would appear to be a strong candidate to backup Portis. Cartwright has
performed
well in the past for the Redskins, leaving Simon – who did not play Friday –
and
McCullough with perhaps long odds to crack the roster.
Nine receivers remain on the roster, with the top four appearing set. Laveranues
Coles, Rod
Gardner, James Thrash and Darnerien McCants stand to get the most playing time. Taylor
Jacobs,
who has great speed, has been set back by injuries and fumbled away a 44-yard
reception Friday
night, although he would appear to be a frontrunner for one of the final spots. Free
agents
Gari Scott, Dameane Douglas, Sean Dillard and Jafar Williams round out the list. Scott
has
been the standout among that group and his ability to return kicks should work in his
favor
as well.
The team has seven tight ends and H-backs on the roster and is expected to cut two of
those
players. Brian Kozlowski and Mike Sellers have split time as the starting H-back,
while Walter
Rasby and Robert Royal are experienced NFL tight ends. Chris Cooley was selected in
the third
round of the 2004 draft, has had a strong preseason and could merit significant
playing time.
Fred Baxter has been out for most of camp with a sprained knee and Leonard Stephens, a
free
agent signing, rounds out the bunch.
Should the team sign players from the outside – a strong possibility as the
Redskins
explore veteran free agents like running back Stacey Mack and defensive lineman Hugh
Douglas
– they would have to make more cuts, which would complicate the scenarios at
several key
positions.
By Jason La Canfora
--------------------
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http://letters.washingtonpost.com/W7RT044A3740A84658B4F3FA6C34C0
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--------------------
REDSKINS NOTEBOOK
Thirteen Players Released -
http://letters.washingtonpost.com/W7RT044A3753484658B4F3FA6C34C0
The Washington Redskins announced 13 cuts Monday and must make one more roster move
today to
reach the NFL's limit.
--------------------
Gibbs Chooses Brunell -
http://letters.washingtonpost.com/W7RT044A3723784658B4F3FA6C34C0
With the preseason finale on Friday against the Atlanta Falcons, Redskins Coach Joe
Gibbs officially
names Mark Brunell his starting quarterback.
Survey: Brunell or Ramsey? -
http://letters.washingtonpost.com/W7RT044A3733684658B4F3FA6C34C0
--------------------
MARK MASKE'S NFL INSIDER
Dolphins, Chargers Still Undecided on a Quarterback -
http://letters.washingtonpost.com/W7RT044A3783184658B4F3FA6C34C0
Seven NFL teams opened training camp with their starting-quarterback jobs up for
grabs. It
appears that at least two and perhaps three of those teams have not settled the matter
as the
final set of preseason games nears.
--------------------
Discuss the Redskins Preseason Play With Other Fans -
http://letters.washingtonpost.com/W7RT044A3763384658B4F3FA6C34C0
Full Redskins Coverage -
http://letters.washingtonpost.com/W7RT044A3773284658B4F3FA6C34C0
--------------------
NEWS FROM THE REST OF THE NFC EAST
Dallas - http://letters.washingtonpost.com/W7RT044A3763C84658B4F3FA6C34C0
N.Y. Giants - http://letters.washingtonpost.com/W7RT044A3733F84658B4F3FA6C34C0
Philadelphia - http://letters.washingtonpost.com/W7RT044A3743E84658B4F3FA6C34C0
--------------------
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