Darryl

Roberts

Washington announced that they were opening CB Darryl Roberts’ 21-day practice window. They notably did not do the same for Thomas. Thomas was believed to have a shot to play in Week 10 but did not practice last week. With Ricky Seals-Jones now day-to-day with a hip injury, Thomas’ continued absence puts his Week 11 availability in doubt. If Thomas and Seals-Jones are unable to suit up, it would leave John Bates as Washington’s every-down tight end.

There are no surprise inactives for the Football Teams this week. Curtis Sameul (groin) is slated to miss the next three weeks after being placed on injured reserve, opening up more playing time and targets for explosive rookie WR Dyami Brown and slot receiver Adam Humphries.

Roberts came off the bench for 469 snaps in 2020 while Detroit was funneling its cornerbacks on and off short-term injured reserve. 31 in November, Roberts adds both depth and special teams chops to Washington’s depleted secondary.

Roberts had been manning the slot in Justin Coleman’s absence. Coleman came back for Week 8, however, as Roberts sat. Roberts was questionable in practice this week, so he may miss the minimum three weeks.

Roberts has manned the nickel position for Detroit ever since Justin Coleman was moved to injured reserve. With Desmond Trufant additionally trending towards playing, Lions coach Matt Patricia will have a number of decisions to make as it pertains to Amani Oruwariye and first-round rookie Jeffrey Okudah continuing on as the team’s boundary corners. The Saints will notably be without Michael Thomas (ankle) and Jared Cook (groin) in Week 4.

Roberts will turn 30 in November. The four-year veteran started 26 games for the Jets from 2016-2019, tallying three interceptions and 172 tackles along the way. Still, inconsistency was often a problem, as PFF graded Roberts as the league’s 94th-best CB in 2019 among 132 qualified corners. The Lions are still looking for a true No. 1 CB in their secondary after trading Darius Slay to the Eagles.

By doing so, the Jets will save $6 million against the cap. A Patriots’ seventh-rounder back in 2015, Roberts has operated as a starter for the Jets over the last two seasons. Surprisingly heading into his age-30 season already, Roberts will likely settle for a depth job at his next stop.

He’ll be returning from a three-game absence. Roberts has started in each of his eight appearances this year, though Blessuan Austin and Art Maulet were excellent in his absence, putting the five-year vet at risk of reduced playing time.

Roberts didn’t practice all week and doesn’t look close to returning. Blessuan Austin will make another start in his absence. With Austin showing well, Roberts may be returning to a sub-package role when healthy.

The versatile Roberts played a career-high 725 snaps last season, splitting time between safety and cornerback. 2019 will be his age-29 campaign.