The Washington Football Team surprisingly released running back Adrian Peterson Friday morning.
Head coach Ron Rivera dove a little into what led to Peterson’s release. He explained the team grew increasingly fond of what the other running backs did during training camp within its offense as opposed to what Peterson didn’t do.
“It’s not about what he didn’t do,” Rivera said, per John Keim of ESPN. “It’s about what these other guys were doing for us and allows us to go in the direction we feel good about.”
Still, Rivera was honest that Peterson’s fit within Washington’s offensive scheme played a part in the decision to release him. Rivera acknowledged Peterson’s skill set and style were “really good” for certain plays. But Peterson being on the field makes it easier for opposing defenses to understand what Washington wants to do on his plays.
Rivera’s explanation was a more diplomatic echo of Jay Gruden’s infamous comment last year: “If we have a game where we think we can run the ball 55 times in a game in an I-formation, then sure, I’ll get him up.”
Then Gruden made Peterson inactive for a Week 1 game in favor of Derrius Guice. This year, Rivera has a multitude of more versatile options. Rookie Antonio Gibson has emerged as a lead-back option.
Peterson was doing most of the first-team reps throughout training camp until the past week, when Gibson started to getting first-team reps.
Meanwhile, J.D. McKissic has settled as a third-down back. Additionally, Washington has veteran Peyton Barber and the returning Bryce Love, who like Gibson has potential to be an every-down back.
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