The Washington Redskins managed to shore up their backfield in the 2018 NFL Draft by taking former LSU running back Derrius Guice with the 59th overall pick. Although Guice was seen as one of the more talented players at his position, head coach Jay Gruden still envisions a large role for running back Chris Thompson.

Thompson had been enjoying his best year yet before his season was cut short due to injury. However, according to John Keim of ESPN, Gruden does not plan on reducing his workload in the 2018 NFL season:

“Chris will be in there a lot, so I think the rotation that we will come up with will be quite beneficial to all the backs,” Gruden said. “Keep them fresh, keep them healthy and then use their skill set accordingly.”

Thompson has long been touted for his versatile skill set as both a runner and a receiver ever since Washington got him in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He put his explosiveness on display with 294 yards and two touchdowns on the ground while hauling in 39 catches for 510 yards and four touchdowns through the air. Perhaps even more impressive is that he registered 13.1 yards per reception.

One would think that a man of his talents would be relegated to more of a workhorse role in the offense. Although Thompson has voiced his desire to do so, his slight frame has prevented him from becoming anything more than a complementary back. That said, he may have a difficult time snatching the early-down role from a stout Guice.