The Redskins Blog

Roster Downsizing Starts Today

This morning’s open locker room had a rather somber atmosphere for anyone considered a “bubble player,” or “roster hopeful” (or their respective friends) this preseason.

This is the first day of roster cuts for all teams in the league, and the Redskins must go from 89 players (87 and two P.U.P.) down to 80.

Already at 11 a.m., there were three empty lockers around the room.

All of those cuts will become official this afternoon, but it’s certainly a part of the business that no one enjoys.

“I think that’s the hardest thing as a head coach is telling somebody that he’s not going to make your football team,” head coach Mike Shanahan said.  ”Regardless of if it’s going from 90 to 80 or to 53 and the practice squad, those are the tough days for a coach.”

Shanahan talked about the difficulty of making cuts this year in particular, given the lack of exposure to certain players.

“[The lack of evaluation time] does make it tougher,” he explained.  ”Even though you have 90, you don’t have those OTA days.  Those extra practice days help you get a good feel for everyone, but this is a little tougher than it has been in the past.”

Watch his full press conference below: