Here is what you need to know on this Tuesday, September 4, the day before the Redskins begin their preparations for the season opener against the Saints.
Royster tops depth chart at RB
The Redskins released their first “official” depth chart of the season and there were a few interesting names at the top.
Evan Royster was listed as the starting running back. That does not necessarily mean that he will start against the Saints. Mike Shanahan has not told Royster that he would be the starter, nor has he said anything to rookie Alfred Morris or, presumably, Roy Helu Jr., who are listed third and second on the depth chart respectively. Shanahan told reporters on Saturday that he knew who would start in New Orleans but he would not say
“I think they’re going to keep us pretty much in the dark until probably the day before the game,” Royster said.
At wide receiver, Josh Morgan moved into the starting spot at one spot ahead of Leonard Hankerson. That could be a distinction without a difference. The Redskins are expected to use a lot of three- and four-receiver sets. Pierre Garçon, listed as the starter opposite Morgan, is expected to be in on almost every offensive snap and Morgan, Hankerson, and Santana Moss will rotate through according to situations and matchups and should all see a substantial amount of playing time.
Redskins have some cap space but not much
Some eyebrows were raised when Pro Football Talk posted a list of how much salary cap room each NFL team has and it showed the Redskins $7.5 million under the cap. But that number is somewhat deceiving.
The cap numbers listed are there under the preseason rules where only the top 51 players on the active roster count towards the cap. When the regular season starts tomorrow, the salaries of all 53 players on the roster plus those on injured reserve and other reserve lists will count against the cap.
That means that the $3.25 million salary of Jammal Brown, who is on the PUP list will hit the cap. That will eat up almost half of the “available” space and salaries of players 52 and 53 on the roster and injured players like Chase Minnifield, Chris Neild and other will consume a lot of what’s remaining.
Today’s schedule
No media availability today.
In case you missed it
No injury concerns for Brian Orakpo and Kory Lichtensteiger; both said they will be ready to face the Saints.
20 in 20 looks at offensive line depth.
Days until: Redskins @ Saints 5; home opener vs. Bengals 19; RG3 first division game @ Giants 47; Thanksgiving Redskins @ Cowboys 79
Does that cap space take into account the Goddell penalty? Does it assume half is taken this year and half next?
Posted by: Bowlregard | Tuesday, September 04, 2012 at 06:02 PM