Keys to the game 1 Quarterback duel » Coach Mike Shanahan hasn’t said who will start, but Rex Grossman already has started twice; it makes sense to give John Beck a final start. But neither likely will face Tampa Bay’s No. 1 defense. Neither player has dominated the competition, and both have shown they do some things well that the other doesn’t. That could give the edge to Beck, figuring he would improve with more experience.
2 Receiving end » It’s expected that the Redskins will keep at least six receivers with the inclusion of return specialist Brandon Banks. That means rookie Niles Paul and veteran Donte Stallworth would be out as Terrence Austin has shown enough to warrant the fifth spot. But if the Redskins go unconventional and keep a seventh, then Paul and Stallworth are possibilities. Stallworth helps them at receiver; Paul would be limited to special teams this year.
3 End depth »
Now that Jarvis Jenkins is lost for the season, the Redskins must determine whether they have the right backups at defensive end. Kedric Golston started at right end last year and should be safe. But are Darrion Scott and Doug Worthington worthy of roster spots? Neither plays with much explosiveness. Worthington is younger and has shown good strength. Scott is a veteran, but he has played only six games since 2006.
| Up next |
| Buccaneers at Redskins |
| When » Thursday, 7:30 p.m. |
| Where » FedEx Field |
| TV » NBC, CSN |
State of the teams
Buccaneers
Tampa Bay is preparing for the preseason finale much differently than the Redskins. The Bucs aren’t expected to play their starters much, if at all. This game is all about evaluating backups and staying healthy.
Redskins
Washington continues to be encouraged by its progress, especially on offense. The Redskins made big plays they failed to make last season, especially in the running game. They need to see continued development in rookie linebacker Ryan Kerrigan.
Players to watch
1 Ryan Torain » He lost the starting job without touching the ball. But Torain’s durability and Tim Hightower’s strong summer means he’s a backup. Still, this is Torain’s first chance to show what he can do. Remember, he rushed for 172 yards vs. Tampa Bay in 2010.
2 Evan Royster » The sixth-round pick is likely practice squad bound unless he makes a major move Thursday. He hasn’t played in the past two games, but he already has shown that he’s worth developing, especially if Torain gets hurt again.
3 Mike Sellers » Is this his last game at FedEx Field? Many seem to have Sellers on the bubble, but it’s uncertain the coaches feel the same way. Sellers’ value as a backup at several spots plus special teams means he likely will stick around another year.
4 Brandon Banks » If they even decide to play him, that is, because of his left knee. But if he does play, has he regained more of his explosiveness? However, the big question comes in the days after the game: How will his knee respond?
5 Chris Horton » With Kareem Moore possibly not ready for the start of the season, Horton could earn a spot by default. Horton can play both safety spots. But they could opt for rookie DeJon Gomes, who has made plays blitzing, or Anderson Russell.
The Last Word
The preseason finale won’t reveal much, not with the teams taking different approaches. But it would be useful if either Beck or Grossman had a statement game — one way or the other. As with any preseason finale, exiting in good health is a must.
