The Redskins look for another running back and Adrian Peterson is visiting Washington for a workout.
With Derrius Guice (AC) out for the season, Byron Marshall (ankle) out for a few weeks and Samaje Perine suffering an ankle injury of his own in a preseason game last Thursday night, the Washington Redskins are having their running back depth tested. Orleans Darkwa and Jamaal Charles are in on Sunday for a workout and a visit respectively, and now Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network have reported Adrian Peterson will visit the nation’s capital on Monday.
Peterson started last season with the New Orleans Saints. But he complained publicly about his role right away, and was traded to the Arizona Cardinals after averaging three yards per carry over four games.
The change of scenery was just what Peterson needed, as he rushed for over 130 yards in two of his first three games with the Cardinals. But after just three more games, he suffered a season-ending neck injury that also cast his playing future into doubt.
The Redskins were just 28th in the league in rushing last year, and they were counting on Guice to spark something. Peterson is a big name, but expecting a notable contribution is a step too far at this point in his career.
Peterson averaged just 3.4 yards per carry last year, while still adding nothing as a pass catcher over 10 games with two teams (11 catches for 70 yards). His brand of old school workhorse back is losing its place in the NFL, and the Redskins already have two younger and similarly skilled players in Perine and Rob Kelley. Perine’s availability for Week 1 doesn’t appear to be in doubt with a sprained ankle, so there may not be need for much more than a camp body.
The Redskins are turning over a few stones in search of a healthy running back, and they have uncovered some options. It doesn’t look like a very good fit with Peterson, but Washington has to consider everything and everyone right now. On the other side of the equation, Washington appears to be Peterson’s only option, at least without a significant injury to a running back elsewhere before Week 1.