Gruden impressed with Guice's performance in return to action

Washington Redskins running back Derrius Guice played in his first game in more than a calendar year.

After tearing his ACL in the first preseason contest of his rookie campaign last year, Guice returned to action Thursday and carried the ball 11 times for 44 yards against the Atlanta Falcons. Such a performance made a strong impression on head coach Jay Gruden.

"It was important to get him the ball. Wanted to give him quite a few touches. Get him some rhythm, a sweat. Get used to hitting the ground, getting hit, tackled, protecting the football," Gruden said, according to Kevin Patra of NFL.com.

"I think it was a productive night for him. Looked like he was decisive with his cuts for the most part, ran with some power at times, moved the pile when there wasn't anything there. I was impressed."

Guice's highlight play was a vicious stiff arm delivered to a Falcons cornerback. The 22-year-old relished the opportunity to get back on the field and make the plays he's accustomed to making.

"It's been a long time, bro," Guice told Kareem Copeland of the Washington Post. "I knew it was something I needed. I needed to get out there, get my feet under me, get some contact to really see where I'm at."