Washington Redskins respond to the injury of rookie Derrius Guice: “The team has invited several running backs to meetings, including Adrian Peterson.
Guice had torn his cruciate ligament in the preseason game against the New England Patriots, the second-round pick was actually intended as a clear starter in the capital – at least for First and Second Down, supplemented by pass-catcher Chris Thompson.
Head coach Jay Gruden initially stressed that Rob Kelley and Samaje Perine are behind them and will not be looking around the free agent market. This attitude has now obviously changed.
NFL network insider Ian Rapoport reports that the Redskins have convened meetings with three running backs: Adrian Peterson, Jamaal Charles and Orleans Darkwa. Peterson will be the first back to arrive in Washington.
The 33-year-old had been released by the Arizona Cardinals in March, a neck injury had ended the season prematurely for him. Before that, however, he was able to show that he still has a lot to offer as a runner; as a receiver, however, he will no longer bring any sudden value in the late autumn of his career. In addition, Washington’s new quarterback Alex Smith prefers the shotgun formation – not Peterson’s preferred line-up.
For Charles, after many years as an elite back for the Chiefs, only a rotation role now seems conceivable. The 31-year-old spent the past season with the Denver Broncos, where he scored 296 rushing yards (4.3 yards per run). At the same time, Charles brings more value than receivers.
The most unknown but perhaps for Washington most interesting name of the trio is Orleans Darkwa. Darkwa is not only 26 years younger than Peterson and Charles, he also led the Giants in the pre-season with 751 rushing yards (4.4 yards per run).