Jay Gruden: Derrius Guice Is The Lead Back

The Washington Redskins have a lot of running back talent. Adrian Peterson, Wendell Smallwood, Chris Tompson, and Derrius Guice are the backs currently on the roster. Even Bryce Love will start the year on IR but should be back at some point. How will the carries get split up. Jay Gruden clarified things for us. Derrius Guice is the guy. Plain and simple. End of story.

Gruden said at a Monday press conference, via Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press, that “the offense carries-wise will probably go through” Guice. That would relegate Adrian Peterson to a complementary role with Chris Thompson on hand to contribute to the offense in the passing game.

Guice is a former 2nd round pick in 2018 out of LSU. His 2018 season ended before it ever got started after he tore his ACL in the preseason. It does make a lot of sense to give him a shot to run away with the job. The team is by far the most invested in Guice. Adrian Peterson is only on this roster because Guice got hurt last year. Chris Thompson has a lengthy injury history so the team wants to limit his touches too.

This offense could actually be fun to watch if Dwayne Haskins figures it out. Especially once Bryce Love comes back. IF Love recovers from his previous injuries, this could be a special young backfield to build around. Love can catch the ball out of the backfield too which can replace Thompson at some point.

Washington Redskins 2019 NFL Training Camp Preview

I actually like Guice for fantasy this year. Jay Gruden knows what he’s doing. Washington won 7 games last year and Mark Sanchez and Josh Johnson started a game at one point. Think about that. The Skins also have a very respectable offensive line if Trent Williams decides to show up. Guice is a great buy low candidate who is going to get a high volume of touches. What’s not to like?