Redskins Insider - Your daily source for news and commentary on the Washington Redskins, by Jason Reid - August 29, 2010

Westbrook makes the team, Bartel released

Updated: 5:15 pm. Tackle Clint Oldenburg, who sprained his ankle late in the Washington Redskins preseason finale on Thursday night, likely will be out for three to six weeks, according to a league source. Oldenburg suffered a grade two sprain against the Arizona Cardinals and will most likely see Dr....

By Paul Tenorio and Jason Reid | September 4, 2010; 4:22 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (547)

Save & Share:

Sources: Jeremy Jarmon makes the cut

Defensive lineman Jeremy Jarmon has made the final 53-man roster, according to team sources. Jarmon was a third-round draft pick in the 2009 supplemental draft and though he appeared to struggle some in his transition to the 3-4 defense, the former Kentucky standout is known for his strong work ethic....

By Paul Tenorio and Jason Reid | September 4, 2010; 4:07 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (33)

Save & Share:

Brandon Banks, Devin Thomas make the cut

As more names continue to leak out about players who did not crack the Redskins' 53-man roster, here is some news about the players who did. Undrafted free agent wide receiver Brandon Banks made the final roster, a league source confirmed. The Free Lance-Star and 106.7 The Fan originally reported...

By Jason Reid and Paul Tenorio | September 4, 2010; 3:26 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (77)
Categories: Brandon Banks , Devin Thomas
Save & Share:

Rob Jackson cut, will be added to practice squad (updated)

Linebacker Rob Jackson has been released but will be added to the practice squad if he clears waivers, according to a source. Jackson was a seventh-round draft pick in 2008 out of Kansas State and played mostly defensive end in pass rushing situations. This season, he was among the players...

By Paul Tenorio | September 4, 2010; 1:25 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (177)

Save & Share:

Redskins trade Justin Tryon (updated)

Update: Tryon is no longer with the Redskins, according to a league source; however, he was not released as previously reported, but traded. NFL Network's Jason La Canfora is reporting that Tryon was traded to the Indianapolis Colts for an undisclosed draft pick. Previous post: Redskins cornerback Justin Tryon was...

By Jason Reid and Paul Tenorio | September 4, 2010; 12:38 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (89)

Save & Share:

Source: Redskins cut Willie Parker

Running back Willie Parker was among the Redskins' cuts on Saturday, according to a league source. This offseason it was clear that the Redskins were intent on upgrading the running back position when they signed proven veterans Larry Johnson and Willie Parker to compete with incumbent Clinton Portis. It was...

By Jason Reid and Paul Tenorio | September 4, 2010; 12:27 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (18)
Categories: Running backs , Willie Parker
Save & Share:

Source: Terrence Austin will be on practice squad

With 22 players to cut today by 6 p.m., the Washington Redskins' roster decisions are beginning to leak out. Rookie wide receiver Terrence Austin will be placed on the Redskins' practice squad should he clear waivers, according to a person familiar with the situation. Austin, a seventh round draft...

By Paul Tenorio | September 4, 2010; 11:48 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (34)

Save & Share:

Did Justin Tryon do enough to make the Redskins' final roster?

Third-year cornerback Justin Tryon intercepted a pass and broke up another Thursday night in a 20-10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. But did Tryon do enough? Before his performance in the preseason finale, Tryon was on shaky ground to make the opening 53-man roster, according to people with knowledge of...

By Jason Reid | September 3, 2010; 3:24 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (244)

Save & Share:

Redskins unveil week of festivities for opener vs. Dallas

In case you forgot, the Redskins' season opens next week with a little game against the Dallas Cowboys. To make sure no one takes this lightly, the team has planned a series of events for next week to help fans prepare for one of the most anticipated season openers in...

By Rick Maese | September 3, 2010; 2:02 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (36)

Save & Share:

Source: John Beck takes pay cut for 2010 season

We've been traveling to and from Phoenix, so we haven't chased the news of quarterback John Beck's extension as hard as we'd like. But we're hearing that while Beck was technically extended through 2012, he also had to accept a significant cut in pay for the 2010 season. News surfaced...

By Rick Maese | September 3, 2010; 12:14 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (68)
Categories: quarterbacks
Save & Share:

John Beck learning on the fly

Just a day after news surfaced that he'd signed a contract extension with the Redskins, quarterback John Beck said he's been given no roster assurances by coaches. But Beck says he feels he did everything he could since joining the team just one month ago. "I'm really excited to be...

By Rick Maese | September 3, 2010; 9:30 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (127)
Categories: quarterbacks
Save & Share:

Game's leading tackler Robert Henson hurt

Second-year inside linebacker Robert Henson suffered a right knee injury Thursday night during the second half of the Redskins 20-10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. "Yeah, it's a shame," defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said. "It's something we're going to have to take a look at....

By Jason Reid | September 3, 2010; 2:33 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (101)
Categories: preseason games
Save & Share:

Cardinals beat Redskins, 20-10

Updated: 1 a.m. In their final preseason tuneup before next Sunday night's opener against the Dallas Cowboys, the Redskins lost to the Arizona Cardinals, 20-10. On a night when some players needed to stand out to secure spots on the team, some made an impression, perhaps most notably wide receiver...

By Paul Tenorio | September 3, 2010; 1:00 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (136)
Categories: preseason games
Save & Share:

Brandon Banks puts excitement back in the return game

The Washington Redskins hoped to find a spark in the return game and after the first preseason game, 5-foot-6 receiver Brandon Banks appeared as though he might be the answer. The Kansas State product broke off a 77-yard touchdown return against the Buffalo Bills in the Redskins preseason opener,...

By Paul Tenorio | September 2, 2010; 11:10 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (12)

Save & Share:

All 22 starters sitting Thursday night

Updated 10:25 pm.: Though neither Trent Williams nor Jammal Brown was listed on the "not expected to play" list before the game, neither was in pads for the start and neither was expected to see any action. Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan wasn't taking any chances in the team's preseason finale....

By Rick Maese | September 2, 2010; 9:44 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (79)
Categories: preseason games
Save & Share:

Jeremy Jarmon facing logjam at defensive end

Defensive end Jeremy Jarmon is among the players who may be on shaky footing when it comes to making the opening 53-man roster. Coaches initially asked the second-year player to lose weight and move to outside linebacker in the team's new 3-4 scheme. But Jarmon did not immediately fare well...

By Jason Reid | September 2, 2010; 9:24 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (10)
Categories: 3-4 defense
Save & Share:

Agent: No change in Donovan McNabb extension talks

Redskins fans have increasingly expressed concern because quarterback Donovan McNabb has not signed a contract extension. In the past few weeks, many Insider readers have emailed me about the situation, suggesting the sides must have reached an impasse in negotiations. McNabb can become an unrestricted free agent at the end...

By Jason Reid | September 2, 2010; 3:28 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (160)
Categories: Donovan McNabb , quarterbacks
Save & Share:

Breaking down the Redskins' 53-man roster

The Redskins' opening 53-man roster must be set Saturday, so we figured this would be a good time to present our thoughts on the subject.

By Jason Reid | September 2, 2010; 2:16 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (97)
Categories: 3-4 defense , Offensive line , Redskins by Position , Running backs , Special teams , quarterbacks , wide receivers
Save & Share:

Special focus on special teams

It's not fair to say that Thursday night's preseason finale at the Arizona Cardinals is a meaningless game -- not when there are still players who think they have a shot at the roster and others who want to show coaches they deserve playing time during the regular season. It's...

By Rick Maese | September 2, 2010; 10:37 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (110)
Categories: Special teams
Save & Share:

Reports: John Beck signs contract extension

Quarterback John Beck has signed a contract extension with the Redskins, according to various reports. The deal would seem to indicate that the Redskins intend to keep three quarterbacks and that Richard Bartel, who has been competing with Beck for the third-string job, is the odd man out. Donovan McNabb...

By Washington Post editors | September 1, 2010; 6:18 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (212)
Categories: quarterbacks
Save & Share:

Redskins Insider Live webcast, with LaVar, Maese and Steinberg

In case you missed it, our weekly Redskins Insider Live webcast went up on the site yesterday. Panelists LaVar Arrington, Rick Maese and Dan Steinberg will talk about the Redskins each Tuesday of the season in the studio at the Washington Post building downtown. You can watch the show live...

By Washington Post Sports | September 1, 2010; 3:27 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (53)

Save & Share:

Donovan McNabb and Mike Shanahan's offense

Quarterback Donovan McNabb has been critical of his performance in Coach Mike Shanahan's offense. McNabb spent the first 11 seasons of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles, so a transition process was inevitable. And then McNabb suffered an ankle injury in the second preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens and...

By Jason Reid | September 1, 2010; 2:30 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (44)

Save & Share:

Jim Haslett's plan: More blitzes, more turnovers

Former Redskins defensive coordinator Greg Blache strongly believed in man-to-man coverage. "Just line up and win your battle," cornerback Carlos Rogers said. "That's the way we played." Well, not anymore. Defensive coordinator Jim Haslett utilizes zone defenses and is expected to blitz much more often than Blache did when he...

By Jason Reid | September 1, 2010; 1:30 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (40)
Categories: Carlos Rogers
Save & Share:

Andre Carter adjusting well to linebacker

Outside linebacker Andre Carter believes he is on the road to a successful transition from defensive end. In fact, he says he enjoys his new position. "I really do," said Carter, among the most optimistic athletes I have ever covered. "I like what we've been doing and I'm feeling more...

By Jason Reid | September 1, 2010; 1:00 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (31)
Categories: Andre Carter
Save & Share:

Redskins might have circumvented rule

If you thought the Redskins' pair of trades with the St. Louis Rams earlier this week seemed a bit odd, you're not the only one. But there appears to be some method behind the madness -- and perhaps some rule-bending as well. The NFL Players Association is looking into the...

By Rick Maese | September 1, 2010; 11:25 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (113)
Categories: preseason games
Save & Share:

Sources: Byron Westbrook still on team

Cornerback Byron Westbrook is still a member of the Redskins and plans to make the trip with the team to Arizona Wednesday afternoon, according to three team sources. An ESPN report Wednesday morning said Westbrook had been released, but that apparently is not the case. He is still in contention...

By Rick Maese | September 1, 2010; 9:45 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (104)
Categories: 3-4 defense
Save & Share:

Report: CB Byron Westbrook released

Updated 8:56 a.m. When the Redskins board an airplane today and head to Arizona for Thursday's final preseason game, they'll apparently do so without cornerback Byron Westbrook. The team has released Westbrook, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter. Schefter's report was news to Westbrook, who apparently hadn't been...

By Rick Maese | September 1, 2010; 7:34 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (67)
Categories: preseason games
Save & Share:

Albert Haynesworth figures to see plenty of action vs. Arizona Cardinals

Most Redskins veterans are not expected to play in Thursday's preseason finale against the Arizona Cardinals, but defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth figures to be busy at University of Phoenix Stadium. Coach Mike Shanahan and defensive coordinator Jim Haslett increased Haynesworth's workload during last week's victory over the New York Jets....

By Jason Reid | September 1, 2010; 6:00 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (11)
Categories: 3-4 defense , Albert Haynesworth , preseason games
Save & Share:

Grossman expected to start against Cardinals

Earlier in the week, Redskins quarterback Rex Grossman, the backup to starter Donovan McNabb, told reporters that he would not play in Thursday's preseason finale at Arizona. Tuesday, offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan went in a different direction. "Rex is taking reps right now," Shanahan said. "We'll see how it goes...

By Barry Svrluga | August 31, 2010; 5:00 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (107)
Categories: quarterbacks
Save & Share:

Strangest cut of all: Hall Davis

The final cut for the Redskins Tuesday may have been the strangest - linebacker Hall Davis, acquired Monday in a trade with the St. Louis Rams. Davis, a seventh-round draft pick by St. Louis, had been preparing to play Thursday night against Arizona in the preseason finale. "They've given me...

By Barry Svrluga | August 31, 2010; 4:27 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (38)

Save & Share:

Kyle Shanahan believes Donovan McNabb will practice next week

Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said he expects starting quarterback Donovan McNabb to return to workouts next week, when the team will be preparing to open the season against Dallas. McNabb hasn't practiced since spraining his left ankle Aug. 21 against Baltimore. "I expect him to be able to practice...

By Barry Svrluga | August 31, 2010; 4:20 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (14)
Categories: Donovan McNabb , Kyle Shanahan
Save & Share:

Mounting confusion on Malcolm Kelly injury

While Malcolm Kelly's future is no longer up in the air -- he was placed on the season-ending injured reserve list Tuesday -- the exact nature of his injury is still shrouded in a bit of mystery. Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan was very clear on Monday, saying Kelly pulled his...

By Rick Maese and Jason Reid | August 31, 2010; 3:45 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (62)
Categories: Malcolm Kelly , Mike Shanahan
Save & Share:

Edwin Williams, James Dearth to be cut from roster

With Malcolm Kelly already headed to injured reserve, the Redskins need to cut four players to get down to 75 by later Tuesday afternoon. A team source said that two of them are offensive lineman Edwin Williams and long snapper James Dearth. Williams, an undrafted free agent out of Maryland...

By Barry Svrluga | August 31, 2010; 3:17 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (25)

Save & Share:

Safety Lendy Holmes among cuts

The Redskins will release their short list of cuts later today, and when they do, safety Lendy Holmes' name is expected to be on it. Holmes' fate was essentially sealed when the team signed free agent Tyrone Carter on Aug. 23. Holmes, who is entering his second season, was listed...

By Rick Maese | August 31, 2010; 2:42 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (15)

Save & Share:

Redskins will place Malcolm Kelly on injured reserve

Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan said the team will place injury-plagued wide receiver Malcolm Kelly on injured reserve Tuesday, ending the third-year player's season because of a recurring hamstring problem. Kelly, who practiced just three times during training camp and the preseason, suffered a setback during Monday's workout, his first since...

By Barry Svrluga | August 31, 2010; 1:54 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (61)
Categories: Malcolm Kelly , Mike Shanahan , wide receivers
Save & Share:

Malcolm Kelly headed to IR

Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan said today that receiver Malcolm Kelly will be placed on the season-ending injured reserve list. We'll have more shortly....

By Rick Maese | August 31, 2010; 1:37 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (38)
Categories: Malcolm Kelly
Save & Share:

Arizona game critical for Willie Parker

Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan said Monday that he had not reviewed with most of his team who would play and how much time they'll be on the field in Thursday's preseason finale at Arizona. But some players - those all but certain to be starters - watched film of the...

By Barry Svrluga | August 31, 2010; 12:38 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (45)

Save & Share:

No cuts made by start of practice

The Redskins won't formally announce their roster cuts until Tuesday afternoon, and the team's practice this morning didn't offer any hints. Just about every player was present during the portion of practice that's open to the media. Right tackle Jammal Brown was nowhere to be seen, but his spot on...

By Jason Reid and Rick Maese | August 31, 2010; 11:25 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (38)
Categories: Mike Shanahan , preseason games , training camp
Save & Share:

Redskins Insider Live Webcast debuts today

Our weekly webcast,"Redskins Insider Live," debuts at 10:30 a.m. LaVar Arrington, he of our newest blog, Hard Hits with LaVar Arrington, joins Redskins beat writer Rick Maese and DC Sports Bogger Dan Steinberg to discuss all things Redskins with studio host Jonathan Forsythe. Submit your questions and tune in to...

By Washington Post Sports | August 31, 2010; 9:36 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (45)

Save & Share:

Hall ready for Thursday, then season opener

DeAngelo Hall is ready to get the preseason over with.

By Jason Reid | August 31, 2010; 6:00 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (39)
Categories: DeAngelo Hall , Preseason schedule , preseason games | Tags: DeAngelo Hall
Save & Share:

Team has few options with Malcolm Kelly

So now what with Malcolm Kelly? Well, the Redskins have three choices: Keep him on the active roster and hope his sore hamstring improves, release him or put him on the season-ending injured reserve list. That's it. On Tuesday, Washington must cut five players. The 53-man roster must be set...

By Jason Reid | August 30, 2010; 4:12 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (150)
Categories: Malcolm Kelly
Save & Share:

Clinton Portis won't play Thursday

Slowed by an ankle sprain, running back Clinton Portis will not play in Thursday's preseason finale at Arizona. Neither Portis nor quarterback Donovan McNabb participated in practice on Monday. But both seemed to be walking around on their sore ankles without much problem. "Still getting treatment," Coach Mike Shanahan said....

By Rick Maese | August 30, 2010; 3:10 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (51)
Categories: Clinton Portis , Donovan McNabb , Willie Parker
Save & Share:

Malcolm Kelly suffers another setback

Practicing for the first time all month, receiver Malcolm Kelly suffered a "setback" on Monday, aggravating the left hamstring injury that has kept him out almost the entire preseason. Coach Mike Shanahan said Kelly could not complete practice on Monday and his status for this Thursday's game - and the...

By Rick Maese | August 30, 2010; 2:15 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (65)
Categories: Malcolm Kelly
Save & Share:

Redskins trade Dennis Morris to Rams

Updated: 3:39 pm. The Redskins have clarified their transactions Monday afternoon and it turns out they actually made two trades. The Redskins shipped tight end Dennis Morris to the Rams in exchange for a conditional pick. In a separate trade, the Rams sent Hall Davis to Washington, also in exchange...

By Jason Reid and Rick Maese | August 30, 2010; 1:26 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (59)
Categories: Running backs
Save & Share:

Donovan McNabb: The progression of an injury

Sometimes it's interesting how a story plays out. Let's follow the case of Donovan McNabb's sprained ankle. McNabb injured the ankle on Aug. 21 against the Baltimore Ravens. Given what happened in that game - fullback Mike Sellers and safety Kareem Moore both going down with knee injuries - McNabb's...

By Barry Svrluga | August 30, 2010; 12:20 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (75)
Categories: Donovan McNabb , Mike Shanahan
Save & Share:

Donovan McNabb resting, as Malcolm Kelly returns

Quarterback Donovan McNabb was not in pads and did not appear to be participating in practice with his teammates Monday. He did take part in team stretches and did not appear to be favoring his ankle at any point, though he did wear a protective sleeve on the lower half...

By Rick Maese | August 30, 2010; 11:35 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (35)
Categories: Clinton Portis , Donovan McNabb , Malcolm Kelly
Save & Share:

Defense snagging more turnovers with new mindset

With two interceptions in the first three games, the Redskins top cornerback, DeAngelo Hall, became the first Redskins player with more than one interception in the preseason since safety Sean Taylor had three before the 2004 season. And the Redskins have gathered eight turnovers in the first three games. Coach...

By Jason Reid | August 30, 2010; 11:00 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (13)
Categories: DeAngelo Hall
Save & Share:

Anthony Armstrong: 'They must believe in me in some way'

It was only one play in a preseason game, and the Redskins have not announced their roster plans. That aside, however, it seemed telling that wide receiver Anthony Armstrong was on the field with starting wideouts Santana Moss and Joey Galloway early in Friday night's 16-11 victory over the New...

By Jason Reid | August 30, 2010; 10:30 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (25)
Categories: Anthony Armstrong
Save & Share:

Brandon Banks impresses again, but did he fumble away shot?

The Redskins took another extended look at rookie wide receiver/returner Brandon Banks in the first half of Friday's 16-11 victory over the New York Jets. Banks had a 77-yard touchdown on a punt return in the preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills and has impressed on offense throughout practice. But...

By Jason Reid | August 30, 2010; 9:40 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (36)
Categories: Special teams
Save & Share:

Devin Thomas on his status: 'I don't really know'

By 4 p.m. Tuesday, the Redskins will cut their roster down to 75 players, By Saturday afternoon, 22 more guys will be released, when the Redskins trim their roster to 53. There's always a surprise or two, which means a handful of players are worried about being surprised. Asked about...

By Rick Maese | August 30, 2010; 9:08 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (28)
Categories: Devin Thomas
Save & Share:

Malcolm Kelly to practice Monday, play Thursday

Redskins wide receiver Malcolm Kelly -- out all but one day of preseason workouts with a strained hamstring -- went through the team's light jog-through Sunday morning and will test the injury in earnest during Monday's practice with hopes of making a preseason appearance, and earning a roster spot, Thursday...

By Barry Svrluga | August 29, 2010; 2:30 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (179)
Categories: Malcolm Kelly , Mike Shanahan , preseason games , wide receivers
Save & Share:

Haynesworth & Shanahan: Redskins' budding buddy comedy

Signaling an easing of tensions around Redskins Park, defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth joked following the Redskins' win over the Jets that he was heading over to Coach Mike Shanahan's house for dinner and cigars. Shanahan didn't mind the quip and took it a step further Sunday. "He made me buy...

By Rick Maese | August 29, 2010; 2:00 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (24)
Categories: 3-4 defense , Albert Haynesworth , Mike Shanahan
Save & Share:

Donovan McNabb out Thursday, Clinton Portis uncertain

As expected, quarterback Donovan McNabb (ankle) has been ruled out of Thursday's preseason finale against the Arizona Cardinals, and the Redskins' starters are not expected to play in the game at University of Phoenix Stadium. "I think it's a little bit too sore," Coach Mike Shanahan said after practice Sunday...

By Jason Reid | August 29, 2010; 1:35 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (23)
Categories: Clinton Portis , Donovan McNabb , Mike Shanahan , Preseason schedule , preseason games
Save & Share:

Devin Thomas waits for final chance

Wide receiver Devin Thomas refused to take the bait. Waves of reporters repeatedly rephrased the question in an attempt to engage Thomas, but he said all the right things when asked about Coach Mike Shanahan's decision not to play him on offense in Friday night's 16-11 victory over the New...

By Jason Reid | August 29, 2010; 11:39 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (31)
Categories: Devin Thomas , preseason games , wide receivers
Save & Share:

Network News

Redskins Insider: August 29, 2010 - September 4, 2010