Zac Boyer will be entering his third season covering the Washington Redskins for The Free Lance-Star this fall. Make sure to follow Zac on Twitter (@ZacBoyer) for the latest updates or e-mail him with any questions at zboyer@freelancestar.com.
Resigned To Reserve, Special Teams Roles, Mike Sellers Finding It Hard To Adjust
By ZAC BOYER | zboyer@freelancestar.com | @ZacBoyer
ASHBURN – At 36 years old, Mike Sellers believes his body is in great shape – which has been easy to do this season given that the Washington Redskins fullback hasn’t played much this season.
Sellers
“I feel good,” Sellers said. “I feel great. Shoulders, legs, knees – knock on wood, I’m fine.”
Once the starter at the position, Sellers lost his spot to Darrel Young in training camp. He remained Young’s backup and has spent time at tight end during practice while serving a role on special teams.
Young sustained a concussion at Seattle on Nov. 27 and missed Sunday’s game against the New York Jets, putting Sellers back in his old role.
“It was nice,” Sellers said. “You know, it’s different than playing special teams, obviously. You get to run plays and stuff like that. It’s fun. Do I miss it? Yeah. Was I taking full advantage of my opportunity? Yeah. [But] it’s another week, another team and we’ve got to get ready to roll.”
Sellers has been inactive for three of the Redskins’ 12 games this season. He lined up as a fullback in five others, including each of the last two weeks, and was solely a special teams player in four games.
It’s not a role Sellers has been particularly willing to embrace. He hadn’t spoken to reporters nearly all season, declining interview requests since training camp began, and his only appearances in the locker room when reporters were allowed in during the week has typically been to make a quick stop at his locker to pick something up and leave.
Asked if he would be content returning to a similar role next season, Sellers asked to move on to the next question. He did say, though, that he has helped teach Young, a converted linebacker, how to play fullback.
“I mean, I knew exactly what was in store, you know?” Sellers said. “Like I said, I’ve just got to coach [Young] up and help him as much as possible.”
With Fred Davis suspended for the final four games of the season after he failed multiple drug tests, there’s an opening at tight end. The Redskins will have Logan Paulsen and the recently returned Dominique Byrd at the position Sunday against New England, but if asked, Sellers will have no problem stepping in.
“If they want me to play it, I’m going to do it,” Sellers said. “If they want me at fullback, I’m here to help in any capacity.”
