The Redskins' final cuts took two surprising turns Friday. RB Tim Hightower, attempting to come back from ACL surgery in November, was cut and S Tanard Jackson was placed on the reserve/suspended list after he was suspended indefinitely by the NFL. The Redskins kept seven WRs, including Brandon Banks, their dimunitive speedy returner who had been on the bubble. They also kept eight of their nine draft choices. But they only have 52 players on the roster, making it likely they claim someone off waivers Saturday.
Notable cuts: RB Tim Hightower (2nd year, Clemson) -- His torn ACL did not respond the way he needed it to, and some reports say he might not be ready for another month. The Redskins should have put him on the physically unable to perform list before camp opened to avoid this scenario. ... FS Tanard Jackson (5th year, Syracuse) -- Another positive drug test earned him an indefinite suspension. He can re-apply for reinstatement after one year. Jackson already has missed 19 games in his career due to drug suspensions. He looked like he would have helped the Redskins … WR Anthony Armstrong (3rd year, West Texas A&M) -- The progress of other receivers, notably Aldrick Robinson and the arrival of Dezmon Briscoe, ended Armstrong’s tenure. He’ll be missed mostly on special teams, where he excelled as a gunner.
Complete cut list
RB Tim Hightower (2nd year, free agent, Richmond); WR Anthony Armstrong (3rd year, free agent, West Texas A&M); WR Terrence Austin (3rd year, 7th round, UCLA), RB Tristan Davis (rookie, free agent, Auburn); QB Jonathan Crompton (1st year, free agent, Tennessee); C Erik Cook (3rd year, 5th round, New Mexico); CB Brandyn Thompson (2nd year, 7th round, Boise State); CB David Jones (6th year, free agent, Wingate); OT Tom Compton (rookie, 6th round, South Dakota); OT Willie Smith (2nd year, free agent, East Carolina); CB Travon Bellamy (1st year, FA, Illinois); OL Grant Garner (rookie, free agent, Oklahoma State); LB Bryan Kehl (5th year, free agent, Brigham Young); LB Brian McNally (rookie, free agent, New Hampshire); DE Doug Worthington (rookie, free agent, Ohio State); DL Delvin Johnson (rookie, free agent, Marshall); DL Marlon Favorite (rookie, free agent, LSU); LB Donnell Holt (rookie, free agent, Cal); DL Darrion Scott (6th year, free agent, Ohio State); FB Dorson Boyce (rookie, free agent, Washington); LB Markus White (2nd year, 7th round, Florida State)
Other moves: Reserve/suspended -- S Tanard Jackson (5th year, UFA, Syracuse)
John Keim covers the Redskins for the Washington Examiner. Follow him on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLWAS or@John_Keim.