P.J.

Daniels

Baltimore is hoping to use Daniels in a third-down role but the fourth-rounder didn’t have a catch. He rushed for 14 yards on six carries.

Steve McNair was flawless with his three attempts, completing them for 33 yards. Boller moved the offense inside the Redskins’ five twice, one ending in a Matt Stover field goal and the other a P.J. Daniels one-yard TD run.

Odd. Daniels’ was reportedly having a solid camp, and this injury flew under the radar. This clinches a roster spot for Musa Smith, who is currently the third running back behind Willis McGahee. Daniels, a fourth round pick in 2006, doesn’t have an NFL carry yet.

Barring injury or pickups after final cuts, it looks like rookie Allen Patrick will be Baltimore’s third tailback to open the year. This will be Daniels’ third straight lost season. Burgess was going to play special teams.

Cory Ross had an impressive Week 17 effort, but may not be seen as a true backup. The team is looking for depth as P.J. Daniels is the only other tailback on the roster.

“He’s going to have to work hard on that the next few weeks,” coach John Harbaugh said. Patrick is in a battle for the third-string tailback job with P.J. Daniels and Cory Ross. An injury like this may make Patrick the underdog.

The former Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket is shaped somewhat like a bowling ball and is expected to get work on third downs as a rookie. He’s a nice dynasty league prospect.

Daniels struggled with holding onto the football in the preseason. Ross played collegiately at Nebraska. Baltimore is clearly concerned with their running game behind Jamal Lewis (hip).