The Trung Canidate Situation...

[SKINSnCANES]

we've got way to many half backs. Last year we could have halfbacks that would compete to be the 3rd down back. This year, I want Portis in everydown that he isnt tired. If its 3rd I expecially want Portis in the game. If we have room we should keep the players so we can atleast try to trade them. Morton should just be an expensive returner. Portis startign HB, Betts backup because hes cheaper then Trung. Cooley starting H-back. Rock backup H-back/fullback. And Sultan should be on the practice squad. Even that is a lot of running backs, and you guys didnt really mention Cooley that much. Mabye Cooley wont play much this year and someone else will fill in the hback role. We do have Rasby to be a blocking tightend.

[love them hogs]

I think trung will unfortunatly be the odd man out.I dont see anyone else getting cut.I will be especialy pissed off if they cut Rock.Mainly because I think he is a good short yardage back.My other reason is that he has one of the best football names I have ever heard.With a name like Rock Cartwright he just belongs on the football field.

[Hogskin]

Yeah, Canidate is gone. Not only the cap issue that all of you covered well, but he can not block. It looked like a fire drill in the backfield when he was in on passing plays last year. The only plays he could be on the field for under Gibbs are running plays, or quick passes to him out of the backfield. Not going to happen - too much of a giveaway.

[joecrisp]

Another big mark against Canidate is the fact that he didn't participate in any of the drills in the first two minicamps, due to the foot injury that he continues to rehabilitate. Meanwhile, Betts, Cartwright, Morton, McCullough and Simon all fully participated in both camps. Betts and Cartwright looked especially good in the second minicamp, for whatever that's worth.

Canidate is simply a more expensive version of Sultan McCullough, and there would be no cap hit for releasing him, so I'd have to imagine he's the odd man out. McCullough is also likely to see a lot of time as a gunner on special teams, due to his blazing speed, whereas I'd have a hard time seeing Canidate accepting a role as a special teams player. You have to be a willing and capable special teamer if you want to win a spot on this roster, and McCullough has indicated he plans to work very hard at becoming a special teams ace to ensure his future as a Redskin.

I've said it several times before, and I'll say it again: if McCullough gets an opportunity to carry the ball, he's going to shine. Obviously, he'll have to earn that opportunity. Success on special teams could buy him some time until that opportunity presents itself.

Due to the fact that Gibbs will want to have ample space on the roster for H-backs, TEs and WRs, I see the Skins keeping five RBs:

1. Portis
2. Betts
3. Morton
4. Cartwright
5. McCullough

Betts will fill the all-around backup and short-yardage role. Morton will obviously return kicks and provide spot duty on 3rd down. Cartwright and McCullough will primarily be special teamers-- and potentially very good ones-- which will give them added consideration for roster spots, though both could present a serious challenge to Betts for the backup role behind Portis. Canidate and Simon simply don't bring enough to the table that isn't already there.