With Washington Redskins center Spencer Long temporarily sidelined, it provides the team a chance to gauge its rookie backup against top competition. And it could shine a light on the other inexperienced reserves.
Long will miss two weeks, though one source said he wasn't sure how long he'd be sidelined after having arthroscopic surgery on his knee. The Redskins are hopeful they will having Long back for the Sept. 10 season opener against Philadelphia.
That provides rookie Chase Roullier a chance to work with, and against, the starters. The sixth-round pick has been impressive since he first started practicing with them in the spring. Nothing has changed this summer as he established himself as the clear No. 2 behind Long. He also can play guard in a pinch, as he did at Wyoming, but has worked only at center in games.
Roullier has played well in the first two preseason games. Against Green Bay on Saturday, he showed that he could control his man and also reach the linebackers. In practice, he's shown that he can anchor after appearing to initially lose his battle. He displays a good base and uses his hands well.
But a center's job also requires a strong understanding of opposing fronts, enabling him to make proper protection calls. Long had to learn that last season after switching from guard. It helps that quarterback Kirk Cousins has started the past two seasons and is much better equipped to chip in.
It's not about whether or not Roullier is smart; he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering after all. But experience matters quite a bit; playing against Cincinnati's starters Sunday will provide him and the Redskins an even better glimpse of how he handles this role.
But even if he can handle it, the Redskins still would have issues with inexperience among their other backup linemen. Veteran Ty Nsekhe will be the third tackle and has proven himself in this role. But if the Redskins only keep three backup linemen, two might have zero experience. Roullier would be one. Undrafted free agent guard Kyle Kalis has been working as the second-team left guard for two weeks, ahead of Arie Kouandjio. Fellow undrafted guard Tyler Catalina has worked with the No. 2 line at right guard (to me, Kalis would be the pick as the eighth lineman. Other teams already have begun paying attention to him).
The Redskins could always seek another veteran after final cuts if they're uncomfortable with the inexperience. But Roullier and Kalis have acquitted themselves well to this point. Roullier now has a good shot at showing even more of what he can do.
