Exhibition against Dolphins gives backs chance to shine
On the first day he settled into his new office at Redskin Park, running backs coach Earnest Byner was visited by a diminutive player who suddenly seemed not to have much future with the Washington Redskins.
"Rock Cartwright was the first player to come see me when I got into my office," Byner said. "He wanted to know what he should do to have the best chance to make the team."
Cartwright was curious because Joe Gibbs had been named the Redskins' coach, and Gibbs runs an offense that does not use a true fullback. Cartwright was drafted as a fullback in 2002, even though he played running back for a large part of 2003.
"I told him he needed to lose weight," Byner said. "I told him he needed to work on his C.O.D., change of direction."
Cartwright, who stands 5-7, lost 20 pounds and is at his lowest playing weight, 213, since high school. He spent hours running cone drills in an effort to improve his quickness and ability to change direction in a split second.
As a result of his durability and willingness to play all out on special teams, Cartwright has gone from the role of fullback with little future to running back with a possible future in Washington.
Tonight, Cartwright and the rest of the running backs attempting to win a roster spot will display their skills against the Miami Dolphins.
The game will be in Pro Player Stadium. It is the third preseason game for the Redskins (1-1) and the second for the Dolphins (1-0).
"I wanted to try to show that I'm here to contribute to the team in any way I can, special teams, running back," Cartwright said. "If they want me to play offensive line, I'm willing to do it."
They are looking for some depth at right tackle.
"Whatever they need me to do, Rock is willing to do," Cartwright said.
The Redskins plan to carry no more than five running backs and might pare that number to four. Clinton Portis is the starter, and Ladell Betts is the backup. Chad Morton is the punt and kickoff return man and is vying for time as a third-down back.
That leaves one, perhaps two openings, with Cartwright, Sultan McCullough and John Simon vying for the job or jobs.
"Rock is a heck of a contributor on special teams, and we might need to keep a guy specifically for special teams," Byner said. "Rock is the kind of guy who always is trying to prove something, and that will see him through the rest of his life."
McCullough flashed his speed last season as a rookie free agent. He made the final roster, a decision that led to some rancor between then-coach Steve Spurrier and the Redskins' front office. He was on the active roster for just two games, played in just one and had one carry for nine yards and three receptions for 13 yards.
"He [McCullough] has showed the same things as last year," Byner said. "He is explosive. He has a lot of ability.
"They're all doing well. I'm proud of all of them."
But it's unlikely that all of them will make the team.
Gibbs would like to see his team do a few things better tonight than in the last preseason game. The Redskins lost to Carolina in overtime after turning the ball over four times.
"We backed up, and we want to keep going forward," Gibbs said.
Mark Brunell will start at quarterback for the Redskins.
AND FURTHERMORE: Injuries will keep outside linebacker LaVar Arrington, middle linebacker Mike Barrow, cornerback Rashad Bauman, tight end Fred Baxter, linebacker Chris Clemons, wide receiver Cliff Russell and running back Ladell Betts at home tonight.
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