Fast Willie Among Redskins Cuts

Fast Willie made a fast exit out of Washington, and the Redskins' coaching staff pulled a fast one on fans who thought they knew which wide receivers the team was going to keep.

Willie Parker was cut Saturday as the Redskins trimmed their roster to 53 along with Ryan Torain, meaning coach Mike Shanahan will go into the regular season with a backfield of Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson and Keiland Williams.

Parker, once a star with the Steelers, showed little of the explosive speed he had in Pittsburgh. He was unable to hit the holes, and since he's not a punishing runner up the middle, his value dwindled.

Meanwhile, more than a few eyebrows were raised upon learning that Terrence Austin was among the cuts. The seventh-round pick led the team in receiving during the preseason and seemed to have a hold on a spot, but Shanahan decided to go with undrafted rookie Brandon Banks and Roydell Williams instead.

The Redskins apparently feel that Banks has more value as a receiver and returner -- even with his penchant to fumble the ball.

Austin wasn't the only draft pick to not make the team. Out of the six picks the team made in April, only two remain -- first-rounder Trent Williams and fourth-rounder Perry Riley. Austin, Selvish Capers and Erik Cook were cut Saturday, while sixth-rounder Dennis Morris was traded earlier in the week. So much for stockpiling younger players in the system...

The standout from the last preseason game also failed to make the team. Robert Henson was waived/injured after hurting his knee against the Cardinals. Up until that point, Henson was making a strong case for a spot among the linebackers.

The Redskins also made a trade Saturday, sending CB Justin Tryon to the Colts for an undisclosed draft pick.  The Colts are in need of some help in the secondary, and it appeared that Tryon wasn't going to make the Redskins' roster, despite making an interception in the end zone against the Cardinals.

As expected, QB Richard Bartel was cut in favor of John Beck. That means the team will roll with three signal-callers to start the season, with Donovan McNabb, Rex Grossman and Beck.

Other notable cuts: Safety Tyrone Carter, fullback Carey Davis, OT Clint Oldenburg, OL Chad Rinehart and WR Bobby Wade.
 

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