Washington Redskins: 5 Most Surprising Cuts

The Washington Redskins were better than expected this preseason, and they found out a lot about the players on their roster.

However, like every other team, there are only so many spots open for those fighting for their right to make the squad.

A mix of new names and old faces got the axe in the final round of cuts, but none that were particularly integral in the team's future plans. Though many of their cuts were predictable, there were still some surprises on the long list of names cut over the weekend.

Here are a few of the most unexpected cuts made in building the final 53-man roster.

Honorable Mention: Evan Royster, Running Back

It was a stretch to think the Ryan Torain's injury would mean anything other than a delayed start to his preseason. If not for a mild concussion and Torain's history with Mike Shanahan, Royster would likely be on the Redskins active roster.

Instead, Royster is bound for the practice squad and isn't likely to see much action this season.

Though he doesn't have the breakaway speed most people desire in a running back, Royster fit the Shanahan one-cut style of running and was better in pass protection than fellow rookie Roy Helu. He is the same size as Terrell Davis and possesses better speed than he gets credit for.

Given the logjam at running back, Royster should consider himself lucky to be on the practice squad. There is no telling if Torain can shake his injuries for a full season.

H.B. Blades, Linebacker

H.B. Blades was once considered to be the heir apparent to London Fletcher's throne as the consummate leader in a less-than-ideal physical form. Blades, like Fletcher, is a shorter-than-average linebacker with a nose for the ball and willingness to do whatever is asked of him.

Until he came into camp out of shape and was all but replaced by special teams maven Keyaron Fox.

The biggest surprise about Blades being cut is that he saw it coming. When the team signed Fox, Blades tweeted, "Right is right wrong is wrong. Don't ask people to be loyal when ur not. It's been real dc appreciate ya."

Blades was a fan favorite for his special teams prowess, but being out of shape and failing to keep pace with the defense doesn't do much to curry favor with a team looking to the future.

Chris Horton, Safety

Chris Horton started his career in Washington off with a bang. In his first start as a rookie, he intercepted two passes and recovered a fumble in a victory over the New Orleans Saints. He started 10 games in 2008 and five in 2009, but failed to start a single game in 2010.

An auspicious start is not enough to make a career, and Horton's performance since 2008 has done little to solidify his position on the team.

Considering the health issues both LaRon Landry and O.J. Atogwe have faced this preseason, Horton's experience should have been enough to keep him around. However, he is an inconsistent tackler and struggles in coverage, which means he is a liability at either safety spot.

Kellen Clemens, Quarterback

It has been speculated throughout the preseason that the Redskins may only carry two quarterbacks on the regular-season roster. However, since those two quarterbacks are Rex Grossman and John Beck, it would make sense that the team would have a third, albeit DEFCON 1, option.

Though neither quarterback set himself apart from the other, Kellen Clemens has some experience as a starter.

Clemens has struggled this preseason, having faced two of the NFL's best defensive teams. He didn't look particularly comfortable in the scheme or behind the reserve blockers, but he looked decent against Tampa Bay in the final preseason game.

It is hardly the end of the world for the Redskins if they don't carry a third quarterback, but it is a concern, given the history of the offensive line. The line has been great this preseason, but there have been lapses in blocking between linemen and blocking backs.

Ben Chappell would be a better option than just settling with two quarterbacks.

Doug Worthington, Defensive End

With the season-ending injury to promising rookie Jarvis Jenkins, Doug Worthington was put in a position to claim a backup role on the Redskins defense. A member of the Buccaneers practice squad a year ago, Worthington had a good showing this preseason despite being added just before training camp.

Since the Redskins acquired him off of waivers, it would make sense that they had some sort of plan in store.

Throughout the preseason, Worthington showed a solid grasp of the system and looked like the best option to back up either Stephen Bowen or Adam Carriker. Aside from Darrion Scott, there wasn't much competition for the backup spot. Kedric Golston isn't a natural fit and hasn't excelled in the system despite producing decent statistics this preseason.

The defensive end position in a 3-4 scheme isn't so much about stats, though. Worthington was in the right place more often than Golston, plain and simple. Being added to the practice squad is hardly a fitting reward for Worthington.

Davonte Shannon, Safety

One play rarely guarantees a roster spot during the preseason, but Davonte Shannon's red-zone sack of Ravens quarterback Tyrod Taylor was about as pretty a play as you can have for a rookie. He tied for the team lead in sacks with two during the preseason, but didn't show enough in coverage and had some lapses in tackling.

Still, Shannon was a pleasant surprise among the numerous names the Redskins flooded into their secondary this offseason.

Shannon is among the few names added to the practice squad following the final cuts made Saturday. The health concerns at safety and the full release of Chris Horton could given Shannon a chance at some point during the season.