Washington Redskins: 4 Fringe Players Who Must Play Well vs. Colts

After the Redskins mortgaged their future to move up in the draft for Robert Griffin III this past offseason, it isn't surprising which story has dominated headlines during the preseason. 

The development and success of Washington's rookie sensation has been documented thoroughly thus far, often overshadowing several important position battles which will ultimately impact the Week 1 roster. 

Now midway through the preseason schedule, the Redskins have seen mixed results on both sides of the ball.

Game one in Buffalo was highlighted by stifling Washington defense and a promising RGIII touchdown drive, while Chicago proved more challenging. The Bears were able to expose some weaknesses in the Redskins' secondary before Kirk Cousins shined for Washington with three late-game touchdown passes. 

With just two games left before the regular season, little time remains for impression.

Players on the border between a roster spot and unemployment understand how critical each snap can be, and a standout performance in the third preseason game could make or break one's chances entirely. 

This time around, I think Redskins fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing Shannahan won't be wavering between Grossman or Beck. After naming Griffin the starter before camp, the quarterback position is an area of certainty in Washington. 

But several other roster spots remain in question. 

Let's take a look at four players who will need to impress the coaching staff against Indianapolis in Week 3 of the preseason. 

Brandon Banks

Brandon Banks' death sentence in Washington may have been spelled out when coach Mike Shannahan insisted the 5-foot-7 return specialist make the team as a wide receiver. 

And midway through the preseason, it isn't looking any better for Banks. 

Currently slotted as the seventh receiver on the depth chart, Banks has failed to make any impressionable plays from the wideout position that would help warrant a roster spot. 

In fact, he may have done the opposite. 

Nine targets in the first game against Buffalo ended in little production. And despite returning a punt 91 yards to the house in Chicago this past weekend, Banks simply hasn't done enough to ensure he will be with the team in New Orleans in Week 1. 

His blazing speed and underdog mentality have made Banks a fan-favorite in Washington over the years. But with improved talent up and down the roster, it is almost impossible for the Redskins to retain him based solely on his return game. 

Offseason signings of Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan instantly improved the wide receiver position from a season ago. And with the surprising emergence of Aldrick Robinson out of Southern Methodist, it may have stamped Brandon Banks' ticket out of Washington as well. 

Chris Cooley

The days of hearing "COOOOO-LEY" echo throughout FedEx Field may indeed be over. 

An injury-plagued 2011 sidelined the star talent and fan-favorite Redskins tight end for all but five games last season. And after the promising performance from Fred Davis, Cooley's days in Washington may be limited. 

The two-time Pro Bowler became one of the league's most reliable pass-catchers over the years in D.C. And now, with a crowded roster and fresher talent at the position, Cooley is fighting to make the team.

And it likely won't be at tight end. 

The Redskins' all-time leading receiver at the position now slots behind Davis, Logan Paulsen and a converted Niles Paul on the depth chart. Due to make $3.8 million, Cooley doesn't figure to stay on as a fourth string tight end—regardless of the fanbase opinion. 

So, it appears to be fullback or bust for the ninth-year veteran out of Utah State University. A mostly uneventful preseason to this point has failed to help Cooley's case otherwise. 

And while Darrel Young still projects to start at FB for Washington at the moment, it remains to be seen if the Redskins will value his versatility as high as $3.8 million. 

Alfred Morris

The Redskins running back position remains about as uncertain as any on the football field midway through the 2012 preseason. 

With four or five legitimate candidates, and no clear-cut No. 1 option, the starting job is seemingly still up for grabs. 

Tim Hightower's ACL injury last season has opened the door for competition in camp. And after favorite Roy Helu failed to secure the job for himself, youngsters Evan Royster and Alfred Morris have made their names heard in 2012. 

Morris, a rookie out of Florida Atlantic, impressed coaches and fans in Buffalo when he led the team with 54 yards on 14 carries in Washington's preseason opener. His excellent footwork and up-field vision have pushed him into the RB conversation in recent weeks thanks in part to Hightower's injury. 

By no means is he guaranteed a roster spot yet, but if Morris is able to keep up the pace against Indianapolis, he could make things interesting in Washington. 

Bryan Kehl

Unfortunately for Bryan Kehl, he may be involved in the deepest position battles on the Redskins roster.

The linebacker position is an area of strength for Washington defensively, and with a few weeks until the season opener against the Saints, a few cuts still need to be made.

A fifth year veteran from BYU, Kehl has been forced to make the adjustment to the 3-4 base defense this year after playing the 4-3 in both New York and St. Louis. 

And the schematic conversion isn't his only uphill battle. 

Jim Haslett's tendency to favor young draft selections has been noted in the past. And as the competition for the backup inside linebacker position heats up, rookie Keenan Robinson appears to be the leading candidate. 

Kehl led the Redskins in tackles at Buffalo in Week 1, but a lackluster encore against the Bears has caused reason for concern.

A second dropped interception in two weeks on Chicago's final possession may have been the final straw for Kehl. And if Robinson is able to perform consistently on special teams in the coming weeks, he could solidify his position as Perry Riley's backup.