The Redskins cut veteran placekicker Neil Rackers, giving their starting job to incumbent Graham Gano, and traded veteran CB Kevin Barnes to Detroit for undisclosed compensation.
Barnes told the Washington Examiner that he initially been told he was released, but he later spoke with Detroit GM Martin Mayhew and Redskins GM Bruce Allen about the deal. Barnes, entering his fourth year, played in the slot last season but struggled. The Redskins returned him to the outside this summer.
Their top three corners are set with DeAngelo Hall, Josh Wilson and Cedric Griffin. Rookie Richard Crawford has stood out and likely is the fourth corner at this point. Brandyn Thompson, a 2011 draft pick, and David Jones are locked in the battle for a potential fifth spot. The Redskins usually keep five corners.
As for Rackers, neither he nor Graham Gano received much of an opportunity this preseason -- Gano has not attempted a field goal yet. Rackers made one of two field goals, missing a 54-yarder. Gano made 14 of his last 15 kicks in 2011, with the lone miss on a block. He's 11 years younger than Rackers.
Also, The Washington Post reported that veteran RT Jammal Brown underwent more surgery to repair ligaments in his hip and faces a four-to-six week recovery time. Brown is on the physically unable to perform list. Given that he dealt with hip issues the last two seasons and now had this procedure, his future in Washington is highly questionable.
John Keim covers the Redskins for the Washington Examiner. Follow him on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLWAS or@John_Keim.
