Washington Redskins coach Jay Gruden has been impressed with running back Samaje Perine this offseason, consistently offering up praise for the young back who has at times struggled to find a place in the league.
So far this offseason, Gruden has said the third-year back has been the most impressive, showing that he can make a difference for the offense this year. However, the question begs to be asked: Will he even get the chance?
The Redskins are loaded in the backfield. Heading up the depth chart is veteran All-Pro Arian Peterson, with hopeful second-year standout Derrius Guice looking to split the carries. Chris Thompson has proven to be a serviceable third-down back when healthy, and Washington also drafted former Heisman finalist Bryce Love this year, who should hopefully return from injury before the year’s end.
So where does Perine fit into all of that?
“He’s been out here taking all the reps. He’s really improved in not only the running game but also in the passing game,” said Gruden, via the Washington Post. “He’s a powerful running back, and he has not had the opportunities that he probably deserves or needs.”
Just because Gruden admits Perine hasn’t had the opportunities he deserves doesn’t mean he’s is going to do anything to change the back’s workload. And why should he? If the running game holds strong throughout the 2019 season without Perine getting a major share of the touches, then Gruden needn’t be hard-pressed to give him a look.
However, on the off-chance that Perine does get the nod to take a snap here or there, he had better make the most of it, or he could be looking at a new team in the future.
