WP email: Hardest Decisions on Cuts Postponed

[MTK]

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, 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 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 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