What if the Redskins don't have a fullback on Monday?

By Rich Tandler

The Redskins could have a problem at fullback on Monday night when the face the Cowboys. As in, they might not have any fullbacks available.

Starter Darrel Young missed practice on Friday with a hamstring injury. Backup Mike Sellers was limited with an injured ankle. I have been getting some inquiries on Twitter as to what the Redskins would do if both were unable to go when they play the Cowboys.

First of all, I think that the chances that both fullbacks miss the game are slim. There is more concern about Young right now. The final injury report will come out this afternoon so it will be interesting to see if he is doubtful or questionable. But even if the can’t go I have to think that Sellers will do whatever he has to do to play if he is able to walk.

That being said, the Redskins would need a Plan B in case they find themselves without a fullback. One thing that must be noted is that the Redskins do not use a fullback on every offensive play—far from it, in fact. Against the Giants, Young lined up on 19 of 82 plays (23 percent). When they played the Cardinals he took 13 of 65 snaps (20 percent).

Still, the Redskins would need to do something to compensate for the lack of a fullback. The most likely solution would be to run with two- and three-tight end sets more often. That would mean more action for both Chris Cooley (77 snaps in two games) and Logan Paulsen (12 snaps).

Another thing they might do would be to spread out the defense with four-receiver sets and run against a stretched-out defense.

Again, the Redskins are unlikely to find themselves without an active fullback on Monday night. But it would be interesting to see how they would adjust if the did.

 

Comments

[TCO]

Cooley has played FB before.

[T.J.]

After seeing him in person I would say go with Paulsen that dude is a beast. I don't know how he would do as a lead blocker but just going by the eyeball test he looks to be every bit as big and strong as Sellars.