Examining the Washington Redskins' roster:
QUARTERBACKS (3)
Jay Gruden only had two quarterbacks in each of his three seasons with Cincinnati, but Griffin still needs to prove his durability. Plus they like McCoy. So nothing has changed since the original posting. If something happened to Griffin, they would still be in good shape with Cousins and McCoy. If they go with two, then McCoy gets left off.
RUNNING BACKS (5)
This is, by far, the hardest one to determine. They really like Thompson, but his durability is a major issue. One night hasn't changed that and they could probably sneak him onto the practice squad. I don't see how you can cut Seastrunk after Thursday, not when he reminded all of his speed (they did not need reminders). The biggest question to me is whether they keep Silas Redd or Royster. The latter offers veteran insurance, but Redd ran with a lot of power and shiftiness in open field. Royster can help on special teams, though he is not exactly a stud here. Redd has the toughness that you could use, but he, too, lacks speed. Also, his damage was done against backups. Neither Redd nor Seastrunk is strong in pass protection, but the latter offers speed and that is a desired trait. I could see them going with only four in order to keep another player on defense.
RECEIVERS (6)
Nothing has changed. Still don't see Leonard Hankerson ready for the start of the season and perhaps not for several weeks into it, which could mean a stay on the PUP list. Robinson gets the nod because he has speed, and if they somehow kept Nick Williams over him, they would have no backup with legit speed.
TIGHT ENDS (3)
I would be surprised if they kept four. Ted Bolser has improved, but not to the point where he must be on the roster. The only reason I would hesitate on cutting him is because of Reed's injury issues. But I can't imagine he would be added to another team's active roster if he were cut. He will have a chance to develop here.
OFFENSIVE LINE (9)
This looks like a pretty safe bet, though it is not as if LeRibeus performed the way I thought he might given the work he put in this offseason. Still, you can't keep four tackles and only three guards. Well, I guess you could, but they need two inside. Moses finished fine as did Compton. Perhaps if Moses was further along they could go with eight linemen and only keep Moses as a backup tackle. But I don't think he's at that point yet.
DEFENSIVE LINE (6)
Everything depends on Bowen's health. The Redskins aren't sure when he will return, and that means there is a chance he will be on the PUP list to open the season. But if they feel he could return a couple weeks into the season then they could always keep someone extra here. My guess is that he will return sooner rather than later, allowing them to go with six. Geathers is a space-eater, but does not move as well and lacks the versatility of others, though he looked good Thursday. So this is a close call and could come down between Geathers and a player at another position. Another end who has flashed on occasion, at least in practice, is Frank Kearse. He was OK in the preseason finale, but Geathers was better.
LINEBACKERS (9)
If Brown and Gabe Miller were even going into the preseason finale, then the latter should move ahead after he had a strong game. It wasn't just that he made plays, it's how he made them. He showed awareness and good reactions. Brown does not have practice squad eligibility; Miller does. Sharpton's high ankle sprain and Akeem Jordan's sprained knee complicate matters. If both were healthy, then Jordan is out. But if Sharpton's injury keeps him out longer, then Jordan could sneak on. Not sure that is the case. For now I will go with Sharpton returning relatively soon. They like him better from scrimmage than Jordan. Compton has been on here the entire summer; nothing should change and his ability to play both spots inside is a plus.
CORNERBACKS (5)
Nothing changes here. Chase Minnifield has practice squad eligibility and my guess is they will try to put him there. The coaches expanded Minnifield's role, working him at safety a little this summer. But it would still take a lot to get him on the roster. Otherwise, these are the same five that have been on this list all summer.
SAFETIES (5)
Trenton Robinson is probably better from scrimmage than Davis, but neither would be a big help here. So special teams wins out and Davis gets the nod because he can be a standout. By the way, this makes 54 players, but there will be an exemption for Meriweather, as of Monday. So to beat the rush I'll just put Davis on the list now. Thomas' foot injury, if it is not serious, means they should be covered at strong safety (along with Biggers in a pinch).
SPECIALISTS (3)
Never liked this kicking competition and Zach Hocker made it a tougher call by missing a 39-yarder against Tampa Bay. Forbath's kickoffs remain inconsistent, but he has been solid as a placekicker. If I'm the Redskins, I'm still looking for a punter. Neither Malone nor Tress Way are consistent.