The Redskins made their first round of cuts today with the NFL's deadline for getting rosters down to seventy five players coming on Tuesday. There were a couple of small surprises, but for the most part, none of these football players were expected to be a Washington Redskin this year.
Perhaps the biggest surprise on the list was punter David Lonie. Not that the Australian import has done much to earn a roster spot, it's just that it leaves Washington with just one kicker - Derrick Frost. Yes the same Derrick Frost that had more punt yardage after the bounce last year, than while the ball was in the air. Lonie's release signifies that the Redskins will go with Frost or bring in someone else from the waiver wire to have a chance. Interestingly, Arizona released kicker Nick Novak and according to Jason JaCanfora of the Washington Post, Novak is interested in returning to D.C.
Other moderate surprises were Robert Johnson and Kevin Simon. Johnson is a surprise because he is such a physical specimen and at times shows such great promise. But he is injured more often than he's not, and word on the street is that he's a bit soft. Simon also has potential but when a seventh round draft pick gets injured, it often spells demise. The young linebacker was plagued by injuries throughout college and has been sidelined all of preseason with a stomach injury.
The Redskins also released safety Antuan Edwards. The veteran defensive back was signed less than two weeks ago but obviously couldn't find a home in Washington.
Here is a list of the cuts:
OL Jon Alston
QB Casey Bramlet
DB Antuan Edwards
TE Robert Johnson
OL Jim Jones
K Tyler Jones
P David Lonie
DL Chris Mineo
TE Calen Powell
DL Karon Riley
LB Kevin Simon
DB Aric Williams
The Redskins are now down to seventy six players but do not have to make another cut by tomorrow. The extra roster slot is occupied by linebacker Phillipe Gardent from France, who automatically qualifies for a practice squad spot and roster exemption under the league's new international development program.
Washington has until Saturday (Septeber 2nd) at 4pm to cut twenty two more players and get down to fifty three.
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