THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, August 28, 1995 TAG: 9508280141
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JIM DUCIBELLA, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 60 lines
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the Washington Redskins' final cut to 53 players Sunday was that there were no surprises.
The waiving of second-year running back Tyronne Rush was as close to a stunner as coach Norv Turner came.
Rush, who last season suffered a neck injury then signed a waiver releasing the Redskins from any obligation in the event of re-injury, was one of the stalwarts of the preseason.
He scored a touchdown on a brilliant, tackle-breaking catch and dash against Kansas City in the summer opener.
He ran with speed, power and agility and was a force on special teams.
But he couldn't beat out third-year back Reggie Brooks, who parlayed strong performances in the final two preseason games into a berth on the roster and, perhaps, another season as the starter.
Joining Rush on waivers were wide receivers Olanda Truitt and Bobby Olive, safety Sebastian Savage, defensive lineman Jeff Rodgers, and guard Ron Lewis.
In addition, Turner placed rookie kicker Scott Blanton on injured reserve in what may have been a move aimed at the 1996 season.
Because he was placed on IR prior to the first game, Blanton cannot be activated this season.
However, the Redskins hope to groom him as replacement for 38-year-old Eddie Murray, who will handle the kicking chores in '95.
Blanton, whose performance early in training camp was a contributing factor in the release of veteran Chip Lohmiller, never tried an extra point or field goal during preseason after complaining of a sore leg two days before the Aug. 12 exhibition game against Houston.
The free agent from Oklahoma kicked off a couple of times before suffering a pulled groin muscle Friday night in Washington's 35-23 loss at Green Bay.
Truitt, who had one touchdown catch for the Redskins last season, appeared to have a chance at sticking for the second consecutive year. He led the team in receptions during the preseason, but his slender build and occasional lapses in practice apparently made him expendable compared to free agent Leslie Shepherd.
``Leslie is better over the middle, better underneath, runs better after the catch and also can return the ball,'' Turner said.
Olive, imported from the World League of American Football, showed promise as a kick returner, but he wasn't close to unseating incumbent Brian Mitchell.
Twenty-three players who weren't with the team a year ago will open the season Sunday against the NFC rival Arizona Cardinals.
Turner admitted he and general manager Charley Casserly aren't done tinkering with the roster; they'll be combing the waiver wires today for help at defensive line. ILLUSTRATION: Graphic
Redskins Depth Chart
For copy of graphic, see microfilm
by CNB