Marcus Mason--Maybe

I'm starting to change my mind about Marcus Mason. I think the kid has a shot.

He's not a lock to make the Washington Redskins' roster by any stretch. But it seems like each carry he adds to his resume makes it harder and harder for the coaching staff to leave him off of the roster.

Mason was very impressive in that final Redskins drive that burned all but 23 seconds off of the final 10:07 of the game. He carried 11 times for 62 yards during that clinching advance.

Yes, he was running against players in Buffalo uniforms who will be working at Best Buy in September. But he also was running behind an offensive line that was slapped together from spare parts due to injuries.

I was reminded that Mason actually did make the 53-man roster at the start of last season. His tenure with the Redskins lasted one game; they released him after the season opener to make way for receiver Reche Caldwell. But the fact is that the team did open the season with four running backs on the roster and Marcus Mason was one of them.

I still don't think it's a good idea to keep a fourth running back. With injuries an issue at cornerback and depth a problem at linebacker, it's risky to short another position to keep a player just for the sake of keeping him.

However, Jim Zorn may not agree. He has commented recently that the team just might have to find a spot for Mason.

A week ago, I would have put his chances of making the team at about 10% or less. Right now, I'd put it at around 40% and rising.