Sports analysts are claiming that because of the NFL’s rule change moving the kickoff to the 35, it could lead to Brandon Banks being cut from the Washington Redskins.

The diminuative Banks from Garner, despite injuries, established himself as a return specialist last year. But kickoffs were from the 30 then. More touchbacks bringing the ball automatically up to the 20 lessen the impact of specialists such as Garner.

“He’s a playmaker but he’s not a playmaker at receiver,” said former Redskin Lavar Arrington. “With touchbacks now, you don’t have as much nee for a specialist. You can have someone who can do more for you and be serviceable at catching punts. I think it could be the demise of Brandon Banks.”

Banks may not be a pro-level receiver but he is quick, elusive and exciting to watch. He could still make a difference returning punts plus not every NFL kicker can kick it through the end zone for a touchback.

In the first preseason game last weekend against the Steelers, Banks caught a kickoff six yards deep in the end zone and ran it out 58 yards. Last season Banks returned three kicks for touchdowns but unfortunately two were called back due to penalties, one of which had no affect at all on the play.

So, there should be a place in pro football for a guy like Banks and if they are smart, it will be with the Redskins.

Unfortunately, a sore knee (which bothered him last year) is keeping him out of this weekend’s game against the Colts. If he is cut, it might be because of this nagging injury rather than the rule change.