Redskins Roster Gains Some Clarity After Preseason Finale vs. Cardinals

Unlike his fellow NFC East coaches Wade Phillips of Dallas, Tom Coughlin of the New York Giants and Andy Reid of Philadelphia, Washington's Mike Shanahan has been through the regular season wars with very few of his players. Only running backs Clinton Portis (two seasons) and Ryan Torain (two games) and offensive lineman Kory Lichtenstieger (one) played for Shanahan during the coach's 15 seasons in Denver.

What's more, only quarterback Rex Grossman has played for offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan while defensive linemen Adam Carriker and Howard Green are the only Redskins to have suited up for defensive coordinator Jim Haslett. Nose tackle Anthony Bryant, cornerback Phillip Buchanon and punter Josh Bidwell are general manager Bruce Allen's only legacies.

All of which makes Washington's final cuts tomorrow more interesting than those of its division rivals. More than half the current 75 players became Redskins before Shanahan, Haslett and Allen joined the organization.

Thirty one players were rested in last night's preseason finale at Arizona, and 22 who are in line to start the Sept. 12 opener against Dallas plus Grossman, Buchanon, tight end Fred Davis, receiver Anthony Armstrong, running back Larry Johnson, defensive linemen Phillip Daniels and Vonnie Holliday as well as safety Kareem Moore and rookie linebacker Perry Riley, who are both injured but not long-term.

Presuming they're all on the roster, that leaves 22 spots to be decided.

Defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth, a starter last year with a $100 million contract, has one, barring an even more major blowup with Shanahan than he has already had. Receiver Devin Thomas, who started most of 2009, likely kept a job with four catches and a 27.5-yard average on four kickoff returns at Arizona, which could be his major duty since he's behind Santana Moss, Joey Galloway and Armstrong on offense. Seventh-rounder Terrence Austin should be the fifth receiver after leading the Redskins with 10 catches for 146 yards and a touchdown in preseason. Richard Bartel outplayed John Beck at quarterback last night, but since Beck just got a three-year contract extension this week.

Veterans Lorenzo Alexander and Chris Wilson should be the reserve outside linebackers with special teams leader H.B. Blades joining Riley inside. Robert Henson's knee injury that ended his fine game against the Cardinals could determine the second-year man's future. Kevin Barnes seems to have the edge as the fourth corner with holdovers Justin Tryon and Byron Westbrook battling Ramzee Robinson for a probable final spot.

Chris Horton, a starter in 15 games the past two years, and August pickup Tyrone Carter should both stick at safety, at least until Moore returns. Although veteran Willie Parker redeemed his poor showing against the Jets by averaging 5.0 yards per carry last night, Torain averaged 4.4 and provides much-needed youth at running back. Stephon Heyer and Will Robinson should be the backup tackles with Lichtensteiger joining Chad Rinehart and/or Will Montgomery as the interior offensive line reserves. Third nose tackle Anthony Bryant should survive given starter Ma'ake Kemoeatu's tender Achilles and Haynesworth's distaste for the position.

That's 18 jobs claimed with Henson's status and a 10th offensive lineman unsure. Cat-quick Brad Banks makes big plays but also fumbles too often for a 5-foot-7 rookie free agent receiver. It's hard to say if Shanahan keeps either third tight end candidate, journeyman Lee Vickers or rookie free agent Logan Paulsen. And if the coach wants insurance behind 35-year-old fullback Mike Sellers, who missed the final two preseason games with a sprained knee, August signee Carey Davis will likely get the nod over the unproven Darrel Young.