One of the preseason rumors surrounding the Redskins’ backfield competition is that RB Willie Parker could be in danger of not making the final roster. The latest is that fellow veteran Larry Johnson might be in the same position.

Jason Reid writes that it now wouldn’t be a shock if both Parker and Johnson are released by the Redskins. Johnson started and struggled in his “showcase” game against the Ravens, performing “woefully” in pass protection. According to Reid’s source, backs who can’t handle blitz pick-ups “will not play” under Mike Shanahan.

The Redskins’ pursuit of Brian Westbrook makes some sense, then, given that he’s known to be adept at pass protection.

Johnson’s struggles could open the window for Parker, who has been buried on the depth chart from the get-go. Parker will get his “showcase” when he starts Friday night against the Jets.

The team is also known to be high on young backs Ryan Torain and Keiland Williams.

Plenty of eyebrows were raised with the additions of both Johnson and Parker — which could qualify as nothing more than low-risk moves to push Clinton Portis — so it really shouldn’t come as any surprise that one, or both, isn’t on the final roster.

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