MMA
John Keim, ESPN Staff Writer 6y

Jay Gruden expects Rob Kelley to face Eagles on Monday

ASHBURN, Va. -- The Washington Redskins continue to monitor a banged-up secondary, but they expressed optimism over their running back situation.

Redskins coach Jay Gruden said he expects running back Rob Kelley to play Monday night vs. Philadelphia. Kelley did not play Sunday vs. San Francisco because of a sprained ankle. He’s been limited in practice the last two days.

After saying Kelley would play, Gruden then added, “I hope so.” But Gruden also said that Kelley was doing well.

The Redskins could use him, if only to give them a full complement of running backs. Kelley would return to the No. 1 role once he returns. He’s been their most consistent ball carrier, averaging 4.52 yards per carry. Chris Thompson would remain the third-down back.

Samaje Perine would be Kelley’s backup for early downs. But Perine, who has 26 more carries this season than Kelley, averages only 3.02 yards per run. If Kelley couldn’t play, then Mack Brown would be active and serve as Perine’s backup.

Meanwhile, left tackle Trent Williams (knee) did not practice but was able to work off to the side. Safety D.J. Swearinger did not practice, either, as the Redskins wanted to give him some rest.

But Gruden said of Swearinger, “He’s been a little sore as of late the last couple weeks and from a mental standpoint, he wanted to rest a little bit. A lot of times, he likes to take a step back and just kind of see the big picture back there and with Torrian Gray and watch and do all the communication things with him so it was good.”

Corners Bashaud Breeland (knee) and Josh Norman (rib) were limited, but both participated in some full-team work. Breeland said he’s in a wait-and-see situation about playing. But he said the MCL sprain wasn’t as bad as the one he suffered in training camp two years ago.

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