

Washington fullback Darrel Young, back in August. (John McDonnell/The Washington Post)

Once a key member of Washington’s rushing attack, fullback Darrel Young continues to see his playing time on offense decrease this season while his coaches opt for a high number of multiple-tight-end sets instead.

Young on Sunday received only four snaps on offense; That’s just six percent of Washington’s 63 plays.

On average, Young has seen action on eight percent of Washington’s offensive plays. That represents a plunge from the 15- to 20-percent allotment he received last season, and the 25- to 33-percent range that Young received during his years under Mike Shanahan.

Asked about the inactivity, coach Jay Gruden said, “You know, we could use him more. We probably should use him more, and that’s a consideration moving forward.”

However, a dramatic reversal in approaches seems unlikely.

Gruden didn’t use a fullback frequently during his time as offensive coordinator of the Cincinnati Bengals. Last season when he took over in Washington, he said he didn’t because the Bengals lacked a player that boasted the versatility and talent that Young had to offer.

Darrel Young scores a first-quarter touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 21, 2014. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

However, Young’s playing time decreased, although he still contributed both in the run and passing game. Last season, Young again recorded two receiving touchdowns, tallying 11 receptions for 81 yards as well. He had nine carries for 22 yards and three rushing touchdowns.

Bill Callahan’s arrival contributed to the decrease in work for Young, who this season has two carries for two yards and two catches for eight yards.

While in Dallas, Callahan utilized a fullback, but he, like Gruden also liked the versatility that multiple-tight-end sets present. This season, Washington has utilized both two and three tight ends with frequency. This provides additional blockers on the edge, and receivers.

Tight ends in Washington’s system at times motion into the backfield and serve as lead blockers for running backs, as the fullback would. But there’s not the same type of crossover for the fullback to the tight end position.

“He’s more of an I-back, strong in the backfield type of guy,” Gruden said. “I’m sure he could do it, he’s a very athletic guy. Those tight ends are longer, taller, longer with length to handle outside linebackers and the blocks and all that. Not saying he can’t do it, and that’s something we could look at, but we haven’t asked him to do that. We like him as far as going downhill on linebackers or chipping off the defensive ends up to the next level. He’s pretty athletic, but as far as in the core, blocking guys right up on them, that’s pretty difficult for a fullback to do.”

The de-emphasis of the fullback isn’t just a Redskins thing. It continues a trend around the NFL, according to Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Lovie Smith, whose team faces the Redskins this week.

“With the tight end position, of course, that gives you flexibility based on who you have at that position, too,” Smith said. “You can use the tight end of course in situations where you would normally use a fullback, and it’s harder on the defense. If a defense sees a fullback in there, you pretty much know what types of formations you’re getting, but if it’s a tight end and that tight end can be lined up on the line of scrimmage, out as a wide receiver, in the backfield as a fullback, it really makes it hard on a defense. The fullback position is leaving to an extent, but I don’t think it’ll ever leave completely.”

And the Redskins haven’t completely done away with the fullback. But Young primarily is used in short-yardage situations, and the occasional base formation.

A fan favorite and ultimate “team guy,” Young has worked to remain positive despite his frustrations. He admitted that the reduced role sparked concern in his mind. But after talking to his coaches, he understands their philosophies, although he may not like them.

“I’m always going to be a team guy. If we’re winning games, then I’m fine,” Young said. “Obviously, when we’re not winning games and not running the ball well, there’s always going to be questions out there. But their response to me when I asked them – because I was worried too; are they trying to get me out of here or whatever? – was ‘No. It’s the looks that we’re getting.’ ”

“And it’s across the league now. You see two tight ends, three tight ends. You’ve got some teams who are sticklers to it, like Atlanta, and keep the fullback in. But, they said they’re going to put us in the best situations to win, and I have to go with that. Of course, I’m not going to be happy with that because I want to compete and I’m a competitor. But that’s my role. I’ve got to be happy with it, and special teams, I’ve got to do better with that, and do my best in practice to make the best of the situation.”

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