Keith

Marshall

“It’s a two-headed monster in the backfield,” said McCloughan, a statement that runs a bit contrary to the largely-held perception that Matt Jones has workhorse potential. McCloughan sounded very excited about Marshall’s prospects this year. “He’s a one-cut guy and when he puts his foot in the ground, he can FLY,” said the second-year GM. “He’s 220 (pounds) and he can FLY. ... Keith’s done a really good job. A really good job.” Marshall should be owned in all Dynasty leagues and is someone worth monitoring closely in re-draft.

Seventh-rounder Keith Marshall will get “some,” according to the Washington Post. It’s become crystal clear that Kelley has moved past Marshall on the depth chart, and will begin the season as Jones’ primary handcuff. That makes him worth a last-round flier in re-draft leagues. Kelley has 10 carries for 48 yards and a touchdown through two preseason games.

GM Scot McCloughan hyped seventh-rounder Keith Marshall up a bit earlier this month, but he’s fallen behind Kelley. An end-of-bench stash in Dynasty leagues, Marshall is off the re-draft radar.

Jones has Matt Jones, Chris Thompson, and Mack Brown making the final roster, but he acknowledged it is possible the Redskins keep four running backs. A 219-pound back with 4.31 wheels, Marshall’s college career was sidetracked by an ACL injury as a sophomore, and he dealt with hamstring issues during the offseason program. Marshall has a ton of athletic upside, but he needs to stay healthy through training camp.

A size-speed specimen who spent most of his college career injured, Marshall went back on the shelf this spring after running behind someone named “Mack Brown” at rookie camp. Marshall is talented enough to make up ground quickly in August, but he hasn’t given any reason to buy into him as an NFL player just yet.

He’s now behind Matt Jones, Chris Thompson, and undrafted rookie “Robert Kelley.” Marshall received five carries against the Falcons last Thursday night, but turned them into negative-one yards rushing. The offensive line was part of the problem, but Marshall showed a tendency to try to bounce every run outside. At 5'11/222 with 4.31 speed, Marshall looks the part, but he’s in a fight for a roster spot, even after GM Scot McCloughan talked him up nine days ago.

Despite Matt Jones going down with a shoulder injury in the first quarter, Marshall did not see the field until the second half and looked to be clearly behind Rob Kelley on the depth chart. Marshall did have a couple nice runs early in the half, but the holes closed up quickly as the night wore on. With Jones questionable for Week 1, Marshall has an opportunity for an early role, but he has a lot of work to do.

He’s practicing fully, which is good news after Marshall spent most of his college career on the shelf and then sat out some of the offseason program with an additional injury. Marshall posted the highest Speed Score ever recorded by Football Outsiders at this year’s Scouting Combine. All the backs in Washington are worth monitoring behind shaky starter Matt Jones.

Marshall was given a three-week timeline upon going down, but either his prognosis got worse, or the Redskins used his injury as an opportunity to free up a roster spot. Marshall was a hyped seventh-rounder out of Georgia, but didn’t make nearly as much noise once the pads went on. Injuries are nothing new for Marshall, whose time in the SEC was marked by one ailment after another. UDFA Rob Kelley will begin the year as Matt Jones’ direct backup.

Redskins OC Sean McVay said Marshall has shown “encouraging maturity for a rookie running back,” while Marshall has also drawn glowing praise from GM Scot McCloughan, who went as far as to suggest he could have a significant rookie-year role in a “two-headed monster” with Matt Jones. While Marshall is far from a sure thing, he is more physically gifted than Jones and should be taken seriously as a threat. Chris Thompson is a one-trick satellite back.