Byron

Marshall

The Redskins’ decision to sign Wendell Smallwood Sunday made Marshall expendable. The offense is expected to lean on both Adrian Peterson and Derrius Guice on early downs with Chris Thompson likely to get a majority of the backfield’s pass-down work.

No corresponding move has been made yet. With Samaje Perine (calf) and Chris Thompson (ribs) ruled out, the Redskins will presumably have Adrian Peterson, third-down back Kapri Bibbs, and Marshall available on Sunday. It would help tremendously if LT Trent Williams (thumb, questionable) is available, too.

His roster spot has been absorbed by Josh Keyes. Marshall is still feeling the effects of an ankle injury he suffered last month. Washington will move forward with Adrian Peterson as its primary ball-carrier while Chris Thompson should play a prominent role on passing downs.

Marshall has resumed practicing this week and is “running just fine.” Coach Jay Gruden has said he will be designated to return, so it is only a matter of time. With Chris Thompson predictably banged up, the Redskins are thin behind Adrian Peterson.

With Wendell Smallwood (knee) on injured reserve and Darren Sproles in the concussion protocol, Marshall could end up seeing snaps behind Ryan Mathews and Kenjon Barner. An undrafted rookie out of Oregon, Marshall is a manufactured-touch back who is very unlikely to return fantasy value.

Marshall was expected to take on a big role in the season finale, but he took a clear backseat to Darren Sproles early before getting work in the fourth quarter. Marshall could eventually replace Sproles once the veteran retires, but Sproles has said he wants to return to finish out his contract next season. Marshall is not an exciting hold in Dynasty formats.

As Darren Sproles is out, Wendell Smallwood is on I.R., and Kenjon Barner left Sunday’s loss early with a hamstring injury, Marshall filled in as the Eagles’ primary passing-game back and amassed 11 touches behind Ryan Mathews’ 21. Marshall will return to irrelevance whenever Sproles (concussion) gets back.

The Eagles have no choice. With Ryan Mathews, Kenjon Barner, and Wendell Smallwood all on I.R., the only healthy running backs on the roster are Darren Sproles and UDFA Marshall. Marshall handled 11 touches in Week 15 and could be in line for a similar workload this Sunday. Practice-squad RB Terrell Watson is also likely to be promoted in time for the Week 17 finale.

It’s another hit to the Redskins’ backfield depth with Derrius Guice (torn ACL) out for the year and Samaje Perine also nursing an ankle injury. Rob Kelley should work as Washington’s lead ball-carrier, though pass-catcher Chris Thompson is probably the most appealing back for fantasy purposes.

Marshall (5'9/201) converted from tailback to receiver before missing all but four games as a senior with a fractured ankle, finishing his career with a 307-1,877-19 (6.1 YPC) rushing line and 97-1,293-8 (13.3 YPR) receiving. Healthy in time for the Ducks’ Pro Day, Marshall clocked a 4.56 forty-yard dash. Marshall isn’t a between-the-tackles threat and is a developmental-at-best slot receiver, but he has some potential as a satellite back who could excel on 5-9 manufactured touches per game. Still coming back from last September’s injury, Marshall is sort of a deep sleeper.