The Washington Redskins (2-1) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-2) play their fourth and final preseason game at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday.
1.The running backs. Chris Thompson, who missed the last two games with a sprained ankle will play. He was the frontrunner for the Darren Sproles-type role as the shifty back on pass downs. But durability remains his biggest question mark. Would a big night clinch a spot? Rookies Lache Seastrunk (speed) and Silas Redd (power) also have a shot. And veteran Evan Royster lacks speed, but has experience. He’s also been productive this summer. It al so depends on how many backs the Redskins keep -- four or five (including fullback Darrel Young).
2. Safety. Bacarri Rambo could be the one who replaces suspended Brandon Meriweather for the first two games of the season, especially (and probably even) if Phillip Thomas' foot prevents him from being ready. Rambo has played better this season than in 2013 and needs to continue doing so. The Redskins almost have to take another safety, unless they feel corner E.J. Biggers could handle that role in certain packages for the first two games. If they want another one, then it’ll be between Akeem Davis and Trenton Robinson. If Davis keeps making plays on special teams it could be hard to keep him off the roster.
3. The kicking game. There are two starting jobs that remain undecided: place kicker and punter. It’s hard to imagine Tress Way beating out Robert Malone for punter, though it’s not as if the latter has been consistent this summer. But it's real hard to imagine the Redskins keeping Way based off his showing thus far. At place kicker, rookie Zach Hocker and Kai Forbath have been relatively close. But Hocker is the new coach’s draft pick and has a stronger leg. If he has a good night, it could clinch a job.
