Washington Redskins: Jordan Reed finally set to practice
The Washington Redskins activated Pro Bowl tight end Jordan Reed off the PUP list on Sunday, clearing his return to practice this week.
The Washington Redskins received some big news on Sunday in the form of tight end Jordan Reed’s imminent return to practice. Reed, who was placed on the physically unable to perform list just before training camp with a toe injury, can finally return to practice (per ESPN). And the timing couldn’t be better for quarterback Kirk Cousins and the offense.
Last week, in the preseason opener, Washington’s first-team offense played just two series and did nothing. Cousins only attempted two passes and the Redskins looked completely lost on offense. In Week 2 of the preseason against Green Bay, head coach Jay Gruden kept his offense on the field for the entire first half. Things weren’t much better until the final series of the first half when Cousins led the Redskins on a touchdown drive against Green Bay’s second-team defense.
Before anyone panics, it is still the preseason. But yes, you should be concerned.
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Thankfully for the Redskins, Reed is back. Reed is the focal point of Washington’s offense along with slot receiver Jamison Crowder. Against the Packers, Cousins would often look off other receivers in favor of Crowder. That’s understandable considering he’s still acclimating to Terrelle Pryor and Josh Doctson.
The return of Reed is great news on all levels. It means he should be good to go for Week 1 of the regular season. However, practice reps are just as important. While Reed and Cousins have a tremendous rapport, they haven’t worked together this summer. Getting some practice reps before the regular season begins is essential.
So, if Reed can play this Sunday in the ever-important third preseason game, should he?
No. It’s a risk Gruden cannot afford to take regardless of how much time Reed has missed. When Reed returns to practice it should be in individual drills or seven-on-seven work only. There’s absolutely no reason to put the oft-injured Reed at risk when the games mean nothing. After all, many of the starters won’t even suit up for the final preseason game.
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Gruden knows the importance of Reed and won’t risk putting his star tight end in jeopardy over a meaningless preseason game. And with Reed back, the Redskins can finally start game-planning for the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1 now that he knows his offensive centerpiece will be back.