Washington Redskins: Rob Kelley looks like odd-man out
The Washington Redskins have tough decisions to make in their backfield and a familiar face might be on the way out as a result.
Running back Rob Kelley might have played himself off the Washington Redskins‘ roster in the 2018 preseason. He has one week left until final cuts are made, but things are not looking good for the former undrafted 25-year old.
The Redskins were dominated by the Denver Broncos on Friday night as they were handed a 29-17 loss. Instead of Kelley getting the start, the team opted to take a look at the newly acquired free agent Adrian Peterson.
Peterson’s first run of the game displayed some sudden burst on his way to a seven-yard gain. He didn’t look like a veteran past his prime, but a 33 years young former MVP ready to be the next man up in Washington. Peterson finished the game with the most noteworthy offensive performance of 11 carries for 56 yards.
Meanwhile, Kelley showed the same old same old we’ve seen all preseason. His slimmed-down look doesn’t pack the same punch between the tackles and his ability to find running lanes seems to have disappeared. On the night, he could only muster up 19 yards on eight carries.
Originally expected to take over for the injured Derrius Guice, Kelley has done nothing to show the Redskins’ coaching staff he can be the featured back in a couple weeks. This preseason, he is averaging just 2.2 yards per attempt, while guys like Kapri Biggs and Martez Carter have done more to deserve a spot on the final 53-man roster.
Even head coach Jay Gruden who usually sings praises for Kelly seemingly balked at a reporter’s question asking about his running back’s status with the team.
“He’s [Kelley] one of the running backs in the room,” Gruden said following Sunday’s practice (via Redskins.com). “We’re still evaluating that group every day.”
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Kelley is deserving of the “just another guy in a room” label as he’s struggled to stand out next to less experienced players. Even if Kelley has a good week of practice and shows out in the preseason finale against the Baltimore Ravens it could be too little too late. During the season he would fight for carries with Peterson, Chris Thompson, and Samaje Perine, but Washington may decide to keep three backs and save a roster spot for another position.