When Mike Shanahan announced at the beginning of training camp that Mike Sellers would be moved to tight end, it looked like the end of the road for the 11-year veteran. The Redskins were set three deep at tight end with Chris Cooley, Fred Davis, and Loan Paulsen. Two younger players, Darrel Young and Keiland Williams, moved into the fullback spot and it looked like Sellers would end up on the outside looking in.
Now, Sellers may—just may—be getting another chance.
He was spotted working with the running backs during the media portion of practice on Monday and when asked about, Mike Shanahan confirmed that Sellers was being given some work at fullback.
Shanahan said that Sellers would not be giving up any of his other responsibilities. “He has to be ready to play fullback in the second half and also the tight end and H-back position and play special teams as well,” he said.
There could be one of two things going on here. Maybe the Redskins are looking to save a roster spot and they want to see if Sellers can be a Swiss Army Knife and fill a number of reserve positions.
Or, they could be helping Sellers out by giving him a chance to showcase his versatility to the other 31 teams in the league. That could help his chances of getting picked up by another team should the Redskins decide to release him.
Big Mike is done. Special teams is the only way he stays.
Posted by: Jeff | Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at 01:27 PM
huge mistake to let sellers go, i really dont think they will. they already know what he can do so why have him go prove it again? let the young guys play and get exp. and rest Big Mike. Sellers will make the team.
Posted by: D | Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at 10:11 PM
He hasn't been the same blocker the last few years he was earlier in his career. Young looks like an good blocker and is better in the receiving game. It'd be nice to keep him but not at the cost of possibly losing a young guy like Austin, Paul, Markus White, Royster, etc..... I wouldn't want to hope those guys pass through waivers just to keep Sellars.
Posted by: T.J. | Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at 10:49 PM
With Cooley less than sure, I see a good chance of them carrying 4 tight ends, if only for a few weeks...could be bad news for Williams, Royster, or one of Paul/Hankerson/Stallworth/Kelly...
Posted by: Sports Scatter | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 02:02 AM
I think (WR)kelly is gone! I Austin took his spot and as far as (RB) Torrain and (WR/KR)Banks will both be a redskin, but only because despite there injury situations they still was able to prove there value to the team. I also see Big Mike Sellers Staying because he is like (LB/DE/OL) Alexander he can play multiple position.
Posted by: twin | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 02:36 AM
I think a lot of people kinda knew that Sellers and Portis didn't really care for one another but this is a time for Sellers to step up and take more of a leadership role especially with the new RB's. Enough said...Majic D
Posted by: Donald Smith | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 06:19 AM
I like Sellers and do hope they can keep him around, but I think everyone noticed that last year he really struggled. The once sure-handed Sellers had trouble with the ball. Again, I hope they keep him, but I wanted to keep daniels and carter as well.
Posted by: monkeyhouse | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 03:31 PM
mike sellers is a great player and I am proud of him been a redskins. I hope he will have a true chance at TE and I know he will be fine! He is a beast after catching the ball and look on last years he has great hands!!!! catches everything throw is way!!! Go Sellers from Mexico we love you!!!
Posted by: luis rodriguez | Friday, August 26, 2011 at 11:37 PM