TAMPA, Fla. – Twenty-two Redskins players warmed up and went through individual drills three hours before the team’s preseason game Thursday against Tampa Bay, likely signaling they will not play against the Buccaneers.
Coach Jay Gruden said on Tuesday that he made the decision to hold out the first-string offense and defense in order to help the backups solidify roles.
“I think we have our starters,” Gruden said. “In general, we feel pretty good about who they are, and now we need to find the key backups and who they are and make sure they get the ample reps to make the football team and show what they can do on the field.”
The only starters who were not on the field for drills were nose tackle Barry Cofield and outside linebacker Brian Orakpo. Both have been battling nagging injuries in recent weeks, which may have allowed them to skip workouts.
Wide receiver Santana Moss and defensive end Jarvis Jenkins also took part in the early workout session.
Rosters must be cut to 53 players by Saturday at 4 p.m. The Redskins currently have 75 players on their active roster.
• Zac Boyer can be reached at zboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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