Washington Redskins: 2010 Running Back Predictions

Will I make It?

That is what the Redskins running backs are saying right now, as last night was their last chance to show the Redskins coaches what they've got before the final cuts tomorrow.

What we know about the Skins' running backs are that Clinton Portis is the only safe one.  But what about Larry Johnson, Willie Parker,  Ryan Torian and Rookie, Keiland Williams? None of us know which one of them will be cut or will remain a Redskins until tomorrow but I will predict the ones who will stay and who will go.

Note: This is just for fun. We'll know who is safe tomorrow at 6:00 pm when the Skins make cuts.

No. 1: Clinton Portis, Starter

Win McNamee/Getty Images

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 18: Mike Brown #30 of the Kansas City Chiefs tackles Clinton Portis #26 of the Washington Redskins during their game October 18, 2009 at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland.The Chiefs won the game 14-6. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty I

Clinton Portis, without a doubt, is the starter for this backfield.

Some people think he is washed up. He may be, but every year except when he was injured(twice) in his career, he has ran for over 1,200 yards.

Well I don't expect him to hit that mark; I expect him to have a nice year. Remember, his first two years in the league with Mike Shanahan, he ran for 1,509 and 1,591 yards respectively with a 5.5 yard average (both years) and 29 (14 rookie, 15 second year) touchdowns on less then 300 carries each year. 

Expect him to have a tough beginning of the year but have it all come together later in the year.

2010 statistics: 1,280 yards, 4.6 average, nine TD's, 341 yards receiving, two TD's, 9.0 average,18 yards passing

No. 2. Larry Johnson, Third Down Back

Win McNamee/Getty Images

ASHBURN, VA - JULY 29: Running back Larry Johnson #27 of the Washington Redskins carries the ball during drills on the first day of training camp July 29, 2010 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Larry Johnson should win the second string spot in my opinion. He's had an average preseason and is impressing the staff. This year I think he will mainly do 3rd down situations and catch a lot of passes on the bootleg. 

2010 Statistics: 587 yards, four TD's, 4.4 average, 461 yards receiving, one TD, 11.0 average

No. 3: Keiland Williams, Short Yardage and Goal Line

Al Bello/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 27: Keiland Williams #35 of the Washington Redskins runs against the New York Jets during their preseason game on August 27, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Image

The only Back to score a rushing touchdown this preseason happens to be the undrafted steal Keiland Williams from LSU. He is quick and explosive and has a good shot to make this roster in my opinion. If he were to make the roster, he would be used on goal line and third and short.

2010 Statistics: 273 yards, five TD's, 5.1 average, 141 yards receiving, two TD's, 7.4 yard average

Who Knows?

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 02: Runningback Willie Parker #29 of the Washington Redskins rushes the football against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter of the preseason NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 2, 2010 in Glenda

To be honest, I am not sure whether Ryan Torain or Willie Parker will be the bench warmer/fourth stringer. I think they both had a good performance last night, and that makes it hard to decide. They both have a 50/50 chance, and I am going to leave it at that. 

The Ending

Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

CLEVELAND - NOVEMBER 06: Ryan Torain #42 of the Denver Broncos scores a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter of their NFL game at Cleveland Browns Stadium November 6, 2008 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Imag

In the end, Mike Shanahan, Bobby Turner and the rest of the staff will make the best decisions for the team.

Thanks for reading!

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BY: Mal Sully