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Position Battles: Defensive Line
Defensive End:
Jarvis Jenkins - Jenkins has started each game in the preseason and appears to be healthy again. The team is hoping he can be the same player this season that he was before going down with a knee injury in 2011. He will have to serve a four game suspension this year first, however.
Trending: No change
Stephen Bowen - Bowen played extremely well against the Steelers and looks like he is ready for the season to start. He was very consistent last year and there is no reason to believe he will not be again in 2013.
Trending: Up
Kedric Golston - Golston is another player who has made the most of his opportunities when called upon this preseason. He has shown that he can not only hold the line but also pressure the quarterback.
Trending: Up
Chris Baker - Baker has been slightly quieter so far than some of his other defensive end mates. He has managed three tackles in the last two games and but will need to make more of an impact going forward.
Trending: No change
Phillip Merling - Merling has exceeded expectations this preseason. So far, he has had 5 tackles and 1.5 sacks, and has displayed that he can apply pressure when needed. He is currently listed as a third string defensive end, so the next two games will be very important for him as he tries to work his way up the depth chart.
Trending: Up
Dominique Hamilton - After spending all of last season on the Redskins' practice squad, Hamilton was hoping this season he could make the 53-man roster with Adam Carriker out injured and Jarvis Jenkins suspended. After two games, Hamilton has not done much to help his cause.
Trending: Down
Defensive Tackle:
Barry Cofield - Cofield was dominant last Monday against the Steelers offensive line, applying pressure almost at will and completely disrupting their offense. Unfortunately, Cofield suffered a broken hand in the game, but it has been reported that he will not miss time in the regular season. The team hopes he can still be effective while wearing a cast.
Trending: Up
Chris Neild - After missing all of last season with injury, Neild has been solid in the preseason and is a dependable back-up to Cofield. He was very strong against the run in 2011 and coaches hope he can bring that to the table in 2013 as well.
Trending: Up
Ron Brace - The former 2009 second round pick of the New England Patriots has been a disappointment thus far in his career. With Cofield sitting out, he will get an opportunity on Saturday to get extended playing time. He has gotten mostly positive review thus far in camp, but has not shown much in the games.
Trending: No change
Chigbo Anunoby - Anunoby should get some time as well on Saturday, but he has an uphill climb to make this roster after spending all of last year on the Colts' practice squad.
Trending: No change.