The Redskins finalized their 53-man roster on Saturday afternoon by releasing 21 players. Here is the complete list of players who were waived by the team:
- DB Julian Battle
- DB Curry Burns
- DL Nic Clemons
- WR Mike Espy
- DB John Eubanks
- WR Jimmy Farris
- OL Spencer Folau
- RB A.J. Harris
- WR Steven Harris
- OL Jasper Harvey
- LB Spencer Havner
- DL Cedric Killings
- OL Kili Lefotu
- DL Vaka Manupuna
- LB Robert McCune
- DB Christian Morton
- TE Buck Ortega
- OL Chris Pino
- WR Richard Smith
- DL Joe Sykes
- FB Manuel White, Jr.
Among the young players who earned a roster spot included safety Reed Doughty, a 2006 sixth-round draft pick, fullback Nehemiah Broughton and offensive lineman Ikechuku Ndukwe.
With injuries to Clinton Portis and Shawn Springs still lingering entering the regular season, the Redskins opted to keep four running backs and five cornerbacks on the roster.
The team also kept five veteran wide receivers: Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle El, Brandon Lloyd, David Patten and James Thrash.
Perhaps the only surprise among players released was defensive tackle Cedric Killings, who spent the last two seasons with the Redskins serving as a dependable backup.
Defensive coaches decided to keep third-year player Ryan Boschetti and rookies Anthony Montgomery, a fifth-round draft pick, and Kedric Golston, a sixth-round draft pick, over Killings. Golston in particular had an impressive preseason.
Head coach Joe Gibbs said on Friday that determining players at backup offensive line would be a difficult decision.
In the end, Jim Molinaro earned a roster spot for the third consecutive year, despite missing most of preseason with a knee injury. Versatile linemen Tyson Walter, Mike Pucillo and Ndukwe round out the offensive line depth.
A pair of 2005 draft picks, fourth-round fullback Manuel White, Jr., and fifth-round linebacker Robert McCune, were among players waived.
McCune's release was mildly surprising because he appeared to be progressing and was a contributor on special teams. White, who missed all of the 2005 season due to a fractured fibula, lost to Broughton in a training camp competition for the backup fullback job.
McCune, White and rookies are all expected to be candidates for the eight-man practice squad. The Redskins will announce the practice squad on Sunday.
Linebacker Philippe Gardent will also spend the season on the team's practice squad as part of the NFL's International Development Practice Squad Program.
