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How good is the Washington football team?
Bill Barnwell and David Jacoby have differing opinions on how good the Washington Football Team is. (2:21)
1:45 PM
The Washington Football Team will be without two key players, safety/linebacker Landon Collins and running back J.D. McKissic. Both were ruled out of the game due to injuries.
The players were hurt in the game. Collins had a foot injury, while McKissic had a concussion. Ron Rivera didn't know how long Collins would be out.
Washington's recent hot streak vaulted it into the seventh and final playoff position in the NFC, but it was a blow.
Collins has transitioned to a hybrid safety/linebacker role. He has rushed the passer 20 times in the past five games compared to 10 times in the first six. He handles a lot of the communication in the back seven.
Collins is part of a three-safety alignment along with Kam Curl and Bobby McCain. Washington expected Curl and Collins to disguise coverages better, with offenses not always knowing who is breaking where.
Rivera said they would fill Collins' role by committee. Washington could either use more three-corner sets in nickel, or it could use a player such as David Mayo in other spots where it wants more size.
Washington's third-down back has caught 43 passes for 397 yards and two touchdown. He has carried the ball 48 times and has scored two times. He is good at protecting himself.
Washington still has a primary back, but it has a veteran backup. Jaret Patterson has 32 carries for 104 yards.
The third-down back will be signed to the active roster by Smallwood. He caught 56 passes for 454 yards and two touchdown in two years with Philadelphia and Washington. He carried the ball 233 times and had five touchdown.
Ereck Flowers missed the past two days of practice with a foot injury. Rivera expressed confidence that he'd be able to play. Wes Schweitzer is out with an ankle injury and will not start at center.
The receiver, center, and tight end are questionable. Samuel is on a snap count.
