Redskins Starters to Sit Out of Preseason Finale Against Buccaneers

The Washington Redskins will close out their preseason schedule Thursday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a game that will serve as a last tryout for players on the proverbial bubble.

While it was reported earlier this week that the Redskins' first-team offense may see some action Thursday following a disappointing showing against the Ravens last weekend, coach Jay Gruden ultimately decided to rest his starters ahead of the season opener next week against the Houston Texans.

"It's my intent now, after a couple good days of practice, to let the other guys play,let the backups play," Gruden told reporters earlier this week. "So we can solidify those roles. We have our starters. In general, we feel pretty good about who they are and now we need to find the key backups and who they are and make sure they get ample reps to show what they can do."

One position battle to key in on is at running back, where several players -- Chris Thompson, Lache Seastrunk, Silas Reed and Evan Royster -- are all competing to make the 53-man roster along with Alfred Morris, Darrel Young and Roy Helu, Jr.

“They have to do it out here," Gruden said. “Some of them have missed some time, which has hurt their chances. Some of them have missed protections, which have hurt their chances. We have got to try to do the best we can Thursday night to try to get some guys in question some touches and see what they can do. Make sure ball security is on point. See if they can play through some injuries. See how durable they are obviously and see what they can do in protection and [catching the ball] out of the backfield."

Meanwhile, third-string quarterback Colt McCoy will reportedly start.

The game will be broadcast on NBC4 beginning at 7:30 p.m.