- The Washington Redskins placed starting running back Rob Kelley on IR on Tuesday due to injuries in both his ankle and knee. In his absence, the team will rely on rookie Samaje Perine along with fifth-year veteran Chris Thompson.
- Kelley was impressive for the Redskins in 2016 as a rookie, ranking fourth among running backs with an elusive rating of 61.5. However, his second season has seen that rating drop to just 34.0 as he has struggled with injuries. He suffered a fractured rib in Week 2, followed by a right ankle injury in Week 4, both of which caused him to miss one game.
- The coming weeks will likely see rookie fourth-round Samaje Perine step into Kelley’s early down role as the primary ball carrier. Perine spent 2016 with the Oklahoma Sooners, averaging 3.23 yards after contact per attempt which ranked 18th among Power-5 backs. He started in Kelley’s absence in Week 3 against the Oakland Raiders with mixed results, forcing one missed tackle on 19 attempts whilst also losing a fumble.
- Chris Thompson has been Washington’s primary third-down back this season and has produced an impressive receiving grade of 87.7 that ranks tied for third among running backs through ten weeks. The former fifth-round pick took over from the injured Kelley as the starter in Week 6 against the San Francisco 49ers but struggled to make an impression on the ground, managing a rushing grade of just 38.3.
© 2024 PFF - all rights reserved.