ASHBURN — It is difficult for teams in the preseason to simulate the rhythm of a regular-season game, whether it’s factors such as limited playing time for the starters or limited game-planning leading into the matchup.
But with starters sitting leaguewide in next week’s fourth and final preseason contest, this week’s game is when teams can get the best preview of the offensive, defensive and special team units they plan to field in Week 1 — which is what the Washington Redskins will be looking for Friday night when they host the Buffalo Bills at FedEx Field.
Starters are expected to play at least the first half, giving players such as left tackle Trent Williams and tight end Jordan Reed time to get acclimated to game speed after missing the first two preseason games. Kirk Cousins has also played just one series and was held out of the second game so backup Colt McCoy could get reps against a quality New York Jets defense.
Though it is expected to be an extended look at the starters, rookie running backs Robert Kelley and Keith Marshall will have their best opportunity of the preseason to make their case for a spot on the 53-man roster.
The Redskins’ top two running backs, Matt Jones and Chris Thompson, are sidelined with injuries. Kelley and Marshall, who are vying for the third running back position, are expected to get the bulk of the carries on Friday.
“It’s really good work for them to be able to get out there with the ones, against the ones, and have to perform play in and play out,” coach Jay Gruden said earlier this week. “I think it’s going to help challenge them. There were times for me as a first-, second- or even third-year player where I was kind of pushed into action and it stretches you as a player. It’s going to get you to where you need to be that much faster.
“I think it’s a really good thing for them. There may be some growing pains here and there, but that’s what the preseason is for — to see what they can do, what they can’t do. Every step of the way I want to be there in the huddle and on the field helping them and providing whatever tips I can so the game can slow down for them. I think it’s a great opportunity to see what they’ve got and I like the fact that they’ll be challenged.”
For others, such as inside linebacker Martrell Spaight, it’s important to adjust to a role he’s more likely to see during the regular season. The second-year hard-hitting linebacker, who missed his rookie season because of a concussion, has been a standout on the second-team defense.
Gruden scratched starting linebacker Will Compton against the Jets last week so Spaight could get reps against a first-team offense. Spaight, who leads the Redskins with eight tackles in the preseason, played 29 defensive snaps against New York.
On Friday against the Bills, Spaight will shift his focus to special teams as the starters get more regular playing time.
“The main thing, I want to be consistent,” Spaight said. “Every game and every day are building blocks. I know the starters are playing a lot, so I want to focus on special teams, make sure I’m maximizing all of my assignments.
“Going into this, a lot of players know their role going through training camp and preseason, but I’m comfortable being a backup and a special teamer. You want to be a starter, but I’m willing to work my way up.”
Other positions the Redskins will be watching closely on Friday will be left guard, where Shawn Lauvao and Spencer Long are competing for the starting job, as well as the rotations along the defensive line and where players factor in on special teams.
“I don’t really see a spot where there isn’t competition, especially for the backup/special teams roles,” Gruden said. “Those are the ones that we’re still trying to figure out. It’s a good problem to have. Guys have really come in and competed and made it hard on us, and this game will be very important.”
• Anthony Gulizia can be reached at agulizia@washingtontimes.com.
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