Trent Murphy beats out Preston Smith for starting outside linebacker spot

When the Washington Redskins defense takes the field against the Miami Dolphins next Sunday, Coach Jay Gruden said the plan is for second-year pro Trent Murphy to start at right outside linebacker, opposite Pro Bowl pass-rusher Ryan Kerrigan.

The news, which came on Sunday, follows an offseason and preseason-long competition between Murphy and rookie Preston Smith.

Murphy, a second-round pick in 2014, and Smith, a second-rounder this year, split time at that position during practices. But with Ryan Kerrigan held out of all four preseason games as a precaution because of the arthroscopic knee surgery he had in June, Murphy and Smith both started. Murphy generally lined up at right outside…