The Washington Redskins have sent out a press release to get fans ready and excited for their first preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday, and it has an updated version of their depth chart. Now, injuries do play somewhat of a role in this, but the new depth chart does give us somewhat of an idea about how the Redskins will set up their roster for the upcoming season. Here are what seems to be the results of some early position battles.
Rex Grossman is listed as the starter at quarterback, with John Beck as his backup. Now, I know what you're thinking; John Beck has a nagging injury so they won't run him out there as the starter. But as of now, he is not listed with the injury designation, and if he was really injured, he probably wouldn't be on the depth chart at all, right?
Because of injury to Ryan Torain Tim Hightower is listed as the starter at running back, with rookie Roy Helu as his backup.
The Starters on the offensive line are, from LT to RT: Trent Williams, Kory Lichtensteiger, Will Montgomery, Chris Chester, Jammal Brown. No surprises there. The biggest news from this part of the field is that undrafted rookie Willie Smith is listed as the backup at RT.
The starting wide receivers are Santana Moss and Jabar Gaffney, with Anthony Armstrong and rookie Leonard Hankerson listed as the second string.
New additions Steven Bowen and Barry Cofield will start along the defensive line next to Adam Carriker.
The linebackers are Brian Orakpo, London Fletcher, Rocky McIntosh and first round pick Ryan Kerrigan.
DeAngelo Hall and Josh Wilson will start at corner, while Reed Doughty fills in for LaRon Landry next to Oshiomogho Atogwe at the safety position.
Big news everyone, Graham Gano appears to have the early lead over Shayne Graham in the kicker battle!
Now, this is only how the depth chart stacks up for the first preseason game, which I'm sure is a very fluid situation. It will change based on the players perform for the the rest of practice, and how they look in these preseason. We'll keep you posted.