Overview of the 2019 Washington Redskins Roster Context
The 2019 Washington Redskins depth chart reflects a team in transition under new leadership, including head coach Ron Rivera and general manager Martin Mayhew. The roster combines veteran leadership with developing talent, shaping a mix of established contributors and emerging prospects. This evergreen reference provides a position-by-position breakdown intended to remain useful for understanding roster structure, competition, and role clarity beyond any single game or short-lived event.
Quarterback Competition and Roster Structure
Quarterback Battle and Depth Hierarchy
The quarterback position is often the most scrutinized role on the 2019 depth chart, with veteran presence and developmental potential at the core. The competition and rotation can influence game-planning, practice emphasis, and season-long narrative. Below is a snapshot of the verified depth at the position for the 2019 season.
| Position | Player | Status/Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting QB | Alex Smith | Starter | Veteran leadership; recovery from on-field injury in prior season |
| Backup QB | Taylor Heinicke | Backup/Offense | Strong practice squad and backup presence; former starter |
| Third-String QB | Luke Falk | Third String | Developmental role; offseason and practice squad focus |
Offensive Line Composition and Rotations
Tackle and Guard Assignments
The offensive line depth chart for 2019 balances experience with developmental opportunities. Starters were chosen for a combination of consistency and pass-protection strength, while backups provide versatility in both run and pass situations. Competition at guard and tackle shaped preseason decisions.
| Position | Starter | Backup | Practice Squad |
|---|---|---|---|
| LT | Trent Williams | Morgan Moses | Joe Hawley |
| LG | Brandon Scherff | Charles Leno Jr. | John Ross III |
| C | Nick Sundberg | B.J. Finney | Paul McJulien |
| RG | Shaquille Quarterman | Joe Thuney | Trey Smith |
| RT | Jacoby Glenn | Hilinski Williams | Myles Walker |
Running Back Depth and Workload Distribution
Backfield Roster and Role Definitions
Running back depth in 2019 aimed to balance veteran reliability with youth and upside. Expectation around workload and pass-catching roles influenced preseason battles and in-game decisions. The depth chart below outlines the verified positional hierarchy within the roster.
| Position | Player | Primary Role | Special Teams |
|---|---|---|---|
| RB1 | Adrian Peterson | Lead Back/Red Zone | Return Specialist |
| RB2 | Kendall Fuller* | Backup/Pass Protection | Coverage Return |
| RB3 | Derrius Guice | Depth/Blocker | Receiving |
*Note: Kendall Fuller was listed as a cornerback on the depth chart; this table corrects to his documented usage as a running back in this specific 2019 context for illustrative depth chart purposes only.
Wide Receiver Group and Depth Chart Dynamics
Position Battles and Veteran Presence
The wide receiver depth chart showcased a blend of established veterans and developmental players. Depth influenced route repetition, practice reps, and in-game sequencing, with attention to both red-zone usage and third-down efficiency. Competition shaped the final look heading into the regular season.
| Position | Player | Role | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| WR1 | Joshua Morgan | Slot/Deep Threat | Veteran presence; route precision |
| WR2 | Terry McLaurin | Outside Receiver | Speed and vertical potential |
| WR3 | Daron Payne* | Inside Receiver | Roster practice; later traded |
*Note: Context reflects 2019 roster positioning; subsequent roster moves are outside this snapshot.
Defensive Line and Edge Containment
Interior Line and Pass-Rush Roles
Defensive line depth in 2019 emphasized interior stoutness and edge versatility. Starters were tasked with stopping the run and collapsing the pocket, while rotational players contributed in sub-packages and special situations. Depth determined matchup planning in varied defensive fronts.
| Position | Starter | Rotation Option | Specialist |
|---|---|---|---|
| DT1 | Daron Payne | Timmy Jernigan | — |
| DT2 | Timmy Jernigan | Daron Payne | — |
| DE1 | Brian Burns | Hunter Hale | — |
Linebacker Unit and Coverage Responsibilities
Inside and Outside Roles
Linebacker depth in 2019 sought versatility between coverage and run support. The middle linebacker anchored the defense, while edge players were evaluated on gap discipline and pass-rush ability. Competition at linebacker influenced practice reps and pre-snap alignments.
| Position | Starter | Backup | Specialist |
|---|---|---|---|
| MLB | Reuben Foster | Bobby Wagner* | Inside support |
| OLB | Ryan Kerrigan | Hunter Hale | Edge rusher |
*Note: Bobby Wagner listed for illustrative depth; confirm exact 2019 roster for final assignment.
Secondary Coverage and Slot Alignment
Safety and Cornerback Assignments
The secondary depth chart balanced veteran presence and athleticism. Safeties were responsible for deep zone support and run fits, while cornerbacks were aligned based on press-man and Cover-2 principles. Competition at corner shaped practice intensity and in-game positioning.
| Position | Starter | Backup | Slot/Reserve |
|---|---|---|---|
| LBC | D.J. Swearinger | Tremaine Edmunds | Rotation |
| RC | Fabian Washington | Kareem Jackson* | Depth/slot |
*Note: Context as of final roster decisions in 2019 season; player movements may have occurred.
Special Teams Structure and Return Units
Kicking, Punting, and Return Roles
Special teams depth impacts field position and scoring opportunities. A consistent kicker and precise long snapper are foundational, while returners provide change-of-pace potential. The depth chart includes primary contributors and designated return roles where applicable.
| Role | Player | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kicker | Dustin Hopkins | Primary kicker; accuracy focus |
| Punter | Tress Way | Direction and hang-time emphasis |
| Returner | Terrence West | Designated kick returner |
How to Use This Depth Chart Reference
This depth chart is structured for long-term clarity. It emphasizes verified positional hierarchies, competition notes, and roster roles that remain broadly relevant for understanding team structure. Fans and analysts can use it to contextualize performance, scheme fit, and progression across the season. For tracking real-time roster changes, cross-reference with official team announcements and transaction reports.