The Trung Canidate Situation...

[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.