With Washington Redskins center Spencer Long temporarily sidelined, it provides the team a chance to gauge its rookie backup against top competition. And it could shine a light on the other inexperienced reserves.
Long will miss two weeks, though one source said he wasn't sure how long he'd be sidelined after having arthroscopic surgery on his knee. The Redskins are hopeful they will having Long back for the Sept. 10 season opener against Philadelphia.
That provides rookie Chase Roullier a chance to work with, and against, the starters.