Washington could earn a roster spot due to his competence on special teams, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Washington is currently competing for Detroit's No. 4 RB job behind starter Ameer Abdullah (shoulder), Theo Riddick, and presumably one of either Zach Zenner or Stevan Ridley, as the two appear to be competing for one job as the team's power back. However, Washington, who housed a 96-yard kickoff return during the Lions' preseason opener versus the Steelers, is able to distinguish himself due to his effectiveness in the return game. Ridley, Zenner and George Winn can't say the same. However, Washington's edge on special teams may prove irrelevant if he can't prove himself to be consistently effective when given opportunities throughout the remainder of the preseason.