Predicting the Redskins Inactives for Week 2 Against the Packers

Here are the 7 players who I think will end up inactive when game time rolls around against the Packers:

Players From Last Week:

1. QB Rex Grossman:

-Unless for some reason Kirk Cousins can’t go in this game, Grossman should once again find himself on the inactive list as they will only keep two quarterbacks active.

2. G Josh LeRibeus:

-This surprised some people week one, but until he earns an active roster spot this is going to keep happening. Right now LeRibeus could be fighting with Mo Hurt for a 53 man roster spot, when Hurt comes off the PUP list later this year. This is definitely a big disappointment for the Redskins and their 2nd year 3rd round pick.

3. NT Chris Neild:

-Against some other teams Neild may get the active spot, but with the Packers likely in 11 personnel (i.e. 3 WR’s) for most of the game, the Redskins will probably be using their nickel package quite a bit. In that case there will be little need for another nose tackle, especially since Chris Baker can play inside.

4. S Jose Gumbs:

-If Gumbs could crack the active line-up when Meriweather was injured, he’s not going to crack it this week when Meriweather is back. Gumbs is likely a player the team will look to stash on the practice squad after week  4 when Rob Jackson and Jarvis Jenkins come back and need roster spots.

New to the Inactive List:

5. K Kai Forbath:

-The Redskins are going to have a tough decision to make as they determine whether or not Kai Forbath is healthy enough to kick in this game. If he’s not the team will have to cut someone (I have them cutting Pat White) to sign John Potter their kicker from camp. I think the Redskins are going to opt for the healthier kicker hear in Potter, if for no other reason than to get better distance on kickoffs. If Forbath is healthy enough than Potter or White (if they haven’t made the roster move) will be in this inactive spot.

6. RB Chris Thompson:

–Evan Royster was on the inactive list last week, but after Chris Thompson’s struggles with his returns in week one, I think it would be wise to sit down the rookie this week. The idea to put Thompson back out there in a hostile environment is just asking for trouble. The last thing the Redskins need (or Thompson’s confidence) this week is to have a fumble on special teams. Royster would give the Redskins greater  depth on offense, and he would be a more valuable piece on special teams since he can play on all four units.

7. LB Nick Barnett:

-This is where a really tough decision needs to be made. Last week this spot was basically Brandon Meriweather‘s, but with him back someone else has to take the spot. The Redskins could opt for CB Jerome Murphy, but given the uncertainty with Meriweather’s health, Murphy’s special teams ability and the fact the Packers will be spreading ball around you probably don’t want to  bench a defensive back. The Redskins could opt to sit a TE, but Jordan Reed made that unlikely and the team probably won’t sit a wide receiver. That makes it likely the team sits LB  Nick Barnett. Barnett was one of three Redskins who were  active last week who didn’t get on the field. The others were Kirk Cousins and Adam Gettis and neither are an option for this inactive spot. Barnett offers good depth for  the Redskins, but Bryan Kehl is ahead of him due to his special teams play. There is a concern here with London Fletcher struggling week one, but I think this ends up being the Redskins best option for the final spot.

How do you see the the Redskins Inactives shaping up?