Mired in a four-game losing streak that has them three and a half games behind the first place New York Giants, the Washington Redskins made a series of roster moves on Tuesday in an attempt to infuse some life into the struggling squad. Here's an overview of the transactions, some of which are more note-worthy than others:
Released: CB Brandyn Thompson, WR Donte Stallworth, TE Domonique Byrd and DL Darrion Scott.
Released from Practice Squad: RB Tristan Davis
Signed: WR David Anderson, DL Kentwan Balmer and CB Domonique "D.J." Johnson.
Here's some background information on the signings, beginning with Anderson, a 28 year old wide receiver who played in 63 games for the Houston Texans between 2006 and 2011. The Redskins said they were interested in acquiring veteran help at the WR position on Monday of this week, and though the signing of Anderson may not create a huge splash, the move reflects Washington's intention to bring in low-cost, experienced help at WR. Anderson has 82 receptions for 895 yards (10.9 avg.) and three touchdowns in his career. He was released by the Texans this July, signed by the Broncos only to be cut prior to the start of the season. He was then reacquired by Houston in September, appeared in two games and was then released once again in mid-October.
To make room for Anderson, the Skins parted ways with Donte Stallworth, who managed to catch only five passes for 46 yards in five games for Washington.
Kentwan Balmer is a more intriguing story,. A former first round draft pick of San Francisco's in the 2008 NFL Draft, Balmer spent two seasons in SF before being traded within the division to Seattle for a mere sixth-round pick. In 43 career games (11 starts), Balmer has recorded 83 tackles, including a career high 43 last year for the Seahawks in the 16 games he appeared in. He was waived by the Seahawks on Aug. 24, 2011, before being claimed off waivers a day later by the Carolina Panthers. He was released by the Panthers on Sept. 1.
Johnson has played in just 10 career games since being signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent rookie in 2009. All 10 games were with the New York Giants however, who acquired Johnson off Denver's practice squad in November of that year.
All in all, it was a busy day in Redskins Country. Who knows if the transactions will help Mike Shanhan's squad snap their four-game losing streak and climb back towards .500 before their season spirals out control. But for 'Skins fans hoping to see the team mix things up somehow, someway, Tuesday's developments were a positive first step.
For more analysis on the players signed and released by Washington on Tuesday, check in at Hogs Haven.