Shanahan reiterated several times today that the hardest part of his job as an NFL head coach is to make roster cuts, like the one necessary to get to 75 players today.
"It's always a tough cut, especially when people are working their hearts out to make the football team," he said. "Everybody wants to make the football team, and when they don't, dreams are shattered.
"Some people get the chance to go to other teams, other people go different directions."
One such player getting the opportunity to go to another team is fourth-year cornerback Kevin Barnes, who was traded to the Detroit Lions for an undisclosed draft pick.
Barnes was a third-round draft pick for the Redskins in 2009, and 45 career tackles and three interceptions in 29 career games.
"We had a couple teams who were interested," Shanahan said of the trade. "He's got some speed, he's got some experience. They were looking for a corner in a little bit different type of scheme."
"I think it's a win-win situation for both teams."
The other major move was to place projected starting right tackle Jammal Brown on regular season Physically Unable to Perform list. The move frees up a necessary roster spot, but keeps him off limits to the team until Week 6.
Brown is reported to be recovering from a procedure on his surgically-repaired right hip in New York. Shanahan said that he hoped to have him back in the next four-six weeks, and that Tyler Polumbus will get the first shot at the starting lineup.
"[Brown] is saying right now that the surgery really helped him and that he's feeling really good," Shanahan said. "You just keep your fingers crossed that he's able to come back sooner than later."
The next round of roster cuts will take place on Friday, Aug. 31, following the fourth preseason game. Although the roster is already "99 percent" decided, Shanahan estimated that five or six players are still battling for the final roster spot.
"It's been a close competition thus far, so a lot's riding on the last game," he said. "We're going to pick the best players, regardless of where they're drafted or how much money they're making.
"Guys that we feel give us the best chance to win."
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