The Facts: The Redskins wanted to upgrade at running back, so they selected Derrius Guice in the NFL draft. What they don’t want to do is change Thompson’s role, so Guice’s arrival shouldn't have much of an impact on that. “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,” HC Jay Gruden said after the draft. “Keep them fresh, keep them healthy and then use their skill set accordingly.”

Diehards Line: According to ESPN.com's John Keim, as the Redskins conduct spring workouts, the question isn’t whether Thompson will play a key role for Washington but rather what sort of production will they need from him. A lot of that depends on how many games tight end Jordan Reed plays. Thompson’s performance last season means defenses must pay closer attention to him. After all, he caught 39 passes for 510 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games before fracturing his fibula. But if the rest of the Redskins’ passing-game weapons come through, then Thompson will have more help -- and that could lessen his overall production. In six games with Reed last season, Thompson was targeted 21 times and caught 18 passes with two touchdowns. With Reed not on the field, Thompson was targeted 31 times with 21 receptions and two touchdowns. The good news for Washington: His yards per catch didn’t change much (13.11 with Reed, 13.06 without). With Guice, Thompson’s third-down role won’t change. Also: Thompson should be healthy for this season. He said on last week that doctors told him his bone had healed. Now it’s just continuing his rehab and getting ready for training camp.