Missed the Cut: Pat White

Sorry, Pat White enthusiasts. This competition is cumulative, and can't be decided in just one preseason game. It would be shortsighted to reserve a roster spot for a guy who has continued to look shaky in practice and has spent the last three years out of the NFL. That reigns especially true when his competition is a veteran quarterback with experience as a starter and has spent the last three years with the current coaching staff.

If White performs like he did on Thursday throughout the rest of the preseason and in practice, the story may be different. But for now, he remains on the outside looking in.

I think Jawan Jamison certainly has the ability to earn a roster spot and could very well earn it when all is said and done. As of right now though, he needs to make some more noise in camp and in the preseason to me to feel comfortable projecting him there in the earlygoings. That isn't a knock on Jamison thus far, as the team's preseason opener was clearly all about assessing the veteran backs. Afterward, Mike Shanahan made note of being pleased with Royster's 62-yard performance on 14 carries.

Is that damning to youngsters like Jamison and the recovering Chris Thompson? Absolutely not. But now it's their turn to step up and show what they've got.

At this point, it still looks like the Redskins will only keep five receivers. Donte Stallworth and Devery Henderson could make that push, but Henderson continues to struggle with getting separation in camp, and it's difficult for coaches to carry a sixth receiver who can't block or play special teams. Stallworth can do both of these, but he's been battling a hamstring injury and has seen his action become limited. If he can overcome this, it's possible he finds himself on the final 53 come September, or at least catches on with another team. Second-year receiver Lance Lewis is another player worth monitoring as the summer progresses as well.

Missed the Cut: Emmanuel Ogbuehi

Jordan Reed's job isn't in any danger, though his immediate impact looks to be minimal after missing two practices, organized team activities and the first preseason game. A thigh injury kept him out of OTA's earlier in the summer, and he is now nursing a sprained foot which could further limit his participation. Consistency is one of the bigger obstacles for rookies to conquer early on, and with limited reps, it will be an even bigger one for Reed to climb right away.

The starting five are safe, as are 2012 draft picks Josh LeRibeus, Adam Gettis and Tom Compton. That leaves Tony Pashos, who sat out all of 2012 and it's looking as if he's still shaking off the rust. Pashos, along with LeRibeus, Compton and Xavier Nixon, each gave up two pressures, but that's not to say they all turned-in equal performances. Despite Pashos' early struggles, he hasn't been pushed by any of the men behind him on the depth chart, and should the team carry nine offensive linemen once again, he appears safe for now.

Philip Merling showed signs of life with a sack and a batted pass on Thursday, and he is going to need more where that came from to secure a roster spot. Depth along the defensive line is something Defensive Coordinator Jim Haslett could use going forward with Adam Carriker and Jarvis Jenkins slated to miss some time, and Merling could earn himself a spot on the roster, even if it's one that would only last the duration of Jenkins' suspension.

Nothing new to report here aside from how pleased the coaching staff must be with their depth at the position. That's not something you would think would be blurted out with Rob Jackson missing the beginning of the season due to a suspension, but rookie Brandon Jenkins already looks formidable on passing downs. He and veteran Darryl Tapp don't have the coverage ability Jackson does, but the duo should be able to hold the fort down until he returns.

Nick Barnett practiced with the team on Monday, and will continue to be brought along to full speed as the summer progresses. Health permitting, he not only has the ability to shore-up a spot on the final 53, but it's not out of the question to envision him as London Fletcher's short-term successor.

Chase Minnifield entered camp as the underdog, but if he continues to play well this summer, the coaches will find a roster spot for him. Minnifield did not have a flashy performance during the team's preseason opener, but was solid in coverage and demonstrated physicality despite being a year removed from a torn ACL.

Tanard Jackson cannot be counted on, Jose Gumbs is a camp body and DeJon Gomes' clock is ticking. Between being devoured by tight end Taylor Thompson during Chris Johnson's 58-yard touchdown run on Thursday and later missing a tackle, the bad tape is starting to pile up on Gomes, who needs to have his best camp yet if he wants to spend a third season in Washington.

Missed the Cut: John Potter

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