Willie Parker rushed for 35 yards on seven carries, but was it enough to earn him a spot on the roster? (Photo: Associated Press)

They entered the game under the microscope, and in need of positive play to improve their chances of making the team.

Some delivered, some did not. Here’s a look at how our players to watch fared last night/this morning in the Washington Redskins’ preseason loss to the Cardinals:

Devin Thomas -- The inconsistent third-year receiver got off to a pretty positive start, catching the first two passes thrown to him, and then returning the first kick he fielded 27 yards. Thomas finished the night with four catches for 34 yards and four kick returns for an average of 27 yards. Thomas appeared to be more comfortable and more aggressive with each return. He told reporters in the locker room following the game that he’s confident he will make the team. I think he’s right.

Albert Haynesworth -- Wow. Who would’ve thought that Haynesworth would’ve been on the field for 49 of the 55 defensive snaps? Mike Shanahan said that Haynesworth would get extensive playing time, but the whole game? Shanahan’s reason for playing Haynesworth all game: “We've got to get him as good as he can possibly be and get him into football shape. There's only one way to do it and that's to practice and play.” Shanahan refused to grade Haynesworth’s performance until he had the chance to watch tape, but when he does, he likely will notice that Haynesworth was his usual self. That means using his talents to apply some pressure on a play or two, going half-speed on other plays, and getting blown off the line or put on his back on some others. Shanahan said he would have to see the film to know if Haynesworth did enough to ensure he would play against Dallas. But man, you would definitely have hoped to see a better showing out of him than this.

Willie Parker/Ryan Torain/Keiland Williams -- After sputtering through his first preseason action last week, Parker fared much better this week, rushing for 35 yards on seven carries. He also had three catches for 10 yards. Parker’s pass blocking was less impressive however. Ryan Torain got five carries for 22 yards, and contributed on special teams. Meanwhile, Williams saw the only limited action with two carries for negative-1 yard, and two catches for nine yards. I still like Williams to make the team, however. I don’t think Parker will make it. Torain could make it, but that’s if Mike Shanahan wants to carry four running backs.

Brandon Banks/Terrence Austin -- If the two were locked in a neck-and-neck race and this game was the home stretch, I would say Austin pulled out the win. With a team-high four catches for 94 yards and a touchdown, Austin proved himself to be reliable and a good route runner. He didn’t have a 77-yard return for a touchdown, but just as he was tonight, Austin has been steady and productive, which is better than a flash here and there and multiple bloopers. Banks appeared poised to make a statement when he returned his first kick 40 yards, but then came his second muffed punt of the preseason (and third fumble). Banks also had four catches for 65 yards, but I don’t know that it was enough.

Selvish Capers -- The rookie offensive lineman was expected to get the start at left guard tonight, but things obviously changed as Capers came off the bench. He struggled tonight, missing blocking assignments here and there. The offensive line as a whole struggled against Arizona. A big concern should be the depth of the line, because if one of the starters goes down, things could get ugly.

Jeremy Jarmon -- No highlights to speak of for the battling defensive end. He didn't get many snaps, and when he was in the game, he didn't make anything happen. The game ended without him having recorded a tackle. 

Justin Tryon/Byron Westbrook, Ramzee Robinson -- Tryon stood out the most thanks to a late-game interception in the end zone. But he also was solid making tackles (he had five on the night), while Westbrook whiffed on some tackles while making others, and appeared slow at times. Robinson also was a mixed bag. The edge based on this game would appear to go to Tryon. 

Conclusion: Now comes an anxious 48 hours for many of the Redskins as they wait to find out whether or not they made the 53-man cut, which is due by 4 p.m. Saturday.