Washington Redskins: Starting running back job remains wide open

The Washington Redskins continue their search for a starting running back as they navigate through an injury-filled preseason.

The Washington Redskins would prefer not have this problem, but now that Derrius Guice is lost for the season, they need to find a serviceable running back to rely on. The idea of trading for another team’s backup has been thrown around, but any fan-made propositions have yet to be recognized with any real movement. At least for the time being, Washington is going to roll with their less conclusive options, hoping a true starter will emerge.

The Redskins enjoyed their first preseason win on Thursday night, winning 15-13 over the New York Jets. The team expected the running back rotation to take shape. However, the race for who will be the Week 1 starter appears to be wide open.

Chris Thompson had the night off, so it was third-year running back Robert Kelley who got the start. Thompson, known more as a hybrid receiving threat out of the backfield, meshes well with the power run game Washington tries to implement. However, Kelley struggled against the Jets, rushing seven times for only 17 yards.

Kelley reported to training camp carrying a lighter build, but so far his new physique hasn’t resulted in more production. Instead, it was undrafted rookie Martez Carter out of Grambling State who had the most notable night. On seven carries, the 5-7, 195-pound back tallied 45 yards for an average of 6.4 yards.

Carter was initially thought of as a camp body, but right now he’s had arguably the team’s most impressive performance of the preseason. According to Pro Football Focus’ recap, Carter forced two missed tackles and had no trouble racking up yards after contact.

Also, last year’s fourth-round pick, Samaje Perine, had a nice run for 30 yards during the first quarter, but he limped off the field with an apparent ankle injury. He’s in the middle of a close competition with Kelley for the starting job and, in order to win, he will have to return to action as soon as possible. The team sounded relatively optimistic about his prognosis.

Perine wasn’t the only running back who was hurt, as 24-year old Byron Marshall also left the game with a leg injury. After the game, coach Jay Gruden did report his MRI came back negative.

During his post-game press conference Gruden had this to say about his current running back situation (via Redskins.com):

"“We are still in the process of trying to figure that out,” Gruden said. “I wanted to get Samaje (Perine) some good looks but he got hurt on his first run….(and) I wanted to get a good look at Byron (Marshall) but he got banged up there.”"

The Redskins can ill afford to lose any more running backs to injury as they try to figure out who their go-to guy will be once the season starts. Gruden and his staff will get another look at their running back by committee next week when they take on the Denver Broncos Aug. 24.