The Washington Redskins have typically rested their starters in the fourth preseason game under head coach Mike Shanahan, but six starters are expected to take the field tonight for additional seasoning.
On defense, defensive end Chris Baker is listed as the primary backup to Jarvis Jenkins, putting him in line to start Week 1 vs. Philadelphia.
Baker will play at least one quarter this evening as he continues to adjust to the defensive end role.
He will be joined by projected starters Josh Wilson, Brandon Meriweather and Bacarri Rambo on defense.
Rambo stands to benefit from the extended look as he is in position to secure the starting free safety job, playing alongside Meriweather for the first time this preseason.
Meriweather has been sidelined since Week 11 of the 2012 season with a torn ACL and the coaching staff has been cautious in his return to action. Tonight's performance could dictate how much he will be used in Week 1, 11 days away.
Wilson looks to hold on to his starting cornerback role as he suits up for the second time this preseason. Wilson faces challenges for starting time from E.J. Biggers, David Amerson, Jerome Murphy and Chase Minnifield, all expected to be active tonight.
On offense, the team is expected to start Joshua Morgan and Fred Davis to support quarterback Pat White.
Morgan has been used sparingly this presason, getting three catches on 23 snaps in Game 1, one catch on 11 snaps in Game 2 and no catches in 22 snaps on Saturday.
Davis is still being brought back from the torn Achilles' that ended his 2012 season and could use the seasoning and consistent play ahead of Week 1.
With that being said, here is a list of the projected starting lineup for tonight's contest:
Offense
- QB: Pat White
- RB: Evan Royster
- WR: Joshua Morgan
- WR: Leonard Hankerson
- TE: Fred Davis
- TE: Niles Paul
- OT: Tom Compton
- OT: Tony Pashos
- OG: Josh LeRibeus
- OG Adam Gettis
- C: Kevin Matthews
Defense
- OLB Darryl Tapp
- OLB Rob Jackson
- ILB Bryan Kehl
- ILB Nick Barnett
- DE Chris Baker
- NT Chris Neild
- DE Phillip Merling
- CB Josh Wilson
- CB David Amerson
- S Brandon Meriweather
- S Bacarri Rambo
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