Ahead of their season opener in Philadelphia, the Washington Redskins claimed former Eagles running back Wendell Smallwood off waivers and cut running back Byron Marshall, according to multiple reports.
Smallwood, a 2016 fifth-round draft pick, was released Saturday after spending three seasons with the Eagles. The 5-foot-10 running back ran for 364 yards on 87 carries in 2018.
The Redskins needed to make a corresponding move to fit Smallwood onto the roster, and Marshall’s release fits the bill. It would have been curious for Washington to carry five running backs on the roster in Week 1.
Running back Shaun Wilson could still be placed on injured reserve, as he has been out with an ankle injury, which would bring the depth chart down to four backs: Adrian Peterson, Derrius Guice, Chris Thompson and Smallwood.
Washington also waived Samaje Perine from that positional group Saturday. The Cincinnati Bengals claimed Perine off waivers Sunday, per reports.
The Redskins open the season Sept. 8 against Smallwood’s former team in Philadelphia.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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