Washington Redskins: Possible Solutions to Derrius Guice News
By Erik Lambert
The Washington Redskins felt they’d finally found their feature running back on offense when they snagged Derrius Guice in the 2018 draft.
One game into the preseason, that dream appears to have died. Guice left the game nursing a knee injury. Further examinations initially revealed what was thought to be a sprained MCL. That diagnosis didn’t last long. Shortly after Ian Rapoport of NFL.com broke that the LSU product had torn his ACL. This meant his rookie season was over before it had barely begun.
Heading into the MRI, the hope was #Redskins RB Derrius Guice had suffered just an MCL injury, but the way he walked off the plane was concerning. Less than an hour ago, he learned his fate: A torn ACL that ends his rookie season before it began. Brutal.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 10, 2018
It’s a real gut punch for Washington who doesn’t have anybody else on the depth chart who appears capable of replacing what Guice could bring to the table. This will put a ton of added pressure on quarterback Alex Smith to carry the offense moving forward. That is unless the front office can find some sort of temporary solution to the problem.
Redskins could have intriguing options depending on aggressiveness
It doesn’t have to be the end of the world for Washington. There are some possibilities out there that may yet solve their problem, or at least prevent it from being an Achilles heel for the offense. Here are three names that are worth watching over the next week that the team could pursue depending on how they wish to attack the issue.
Orleans Darkwa
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A non-entity in the NFL through his first three years in the NFL, Orleans Darkwa was thrust into the spotlight last year by the New York Giants. In 11 starts he delivered 751 yards rushing with five touchdowns, becoming a pleasant surprise on an offense rife with injuries. Since then he’s remained unsigned in free agency, awaiting the right opportunity. It may have just arrived.
Alfred Morris
How poetic would this be? Back in 2012, sixth round pick Alfred Morris became a focal point of the Redskins offense and soon developed into a Pro Bowler. After three-straight years over 1,000 yards, he struggled in 2015 and was sent packing into free agency. Last season he enjoyed a rebound year in Dallas, posting 547 yards at 4.8 per carry in five starts. Imagine the story of him returning to Washington to rescue the Redskins running game from disaster.
Jeremy Hill
He never got a fair shake in Cincinnati despite scoring 30 touchdowns in three seasons. No doubt he’d hoped to finally get that chance when signing with the Patriots this offseason. Then New England drafts Sony Michel in the 1st round. The team is loaded at running back. This could be an opening for Washington to make an offer for the 25-year old Hill considering he’s likely unhappy about his current circumstances.