Washington Redskins: Jamison Crowder, Chris Thompson critical on offense

The Washington Redskins have been without two offensive standouts for a good portion of this season in Jamison Crowder and Chris Thompson. They need both.

At 5-3 and in first place in a wide-open NFC East, the Washington Redskins are in prime position for a playoff spot. Things became much more difficult last week, though, when the Redskins were blown out by an NFC contender in the Atlanta Falcons, and lost numerous players for the season due to injury. The most critical loss was Pro Bowl right guard Brandon Scherff. Left guard Shawn Lauvao is also out for the season, as is starting receiver Paul Richardson.

With quarterback Alex Smith struggling in his first season in Washington, the Redskins need third-down back Chris Thompson and slot receiver Jamison Crowder to return from injury.

It’s certainly plausible to ask if future Hall of Fame running back Adrian Peterson can continue at his current pace. The running game will certainly suffer with Scherff and Lauvao out. Remember, the Redskins are without Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams for another three weeks with a hand injury.

Thompson broke out in 2017 and became one of the NFL’s top pass-catching backs. A broken leg would end his season and he’s battled rib injuries this season. Inaccurate throws from Smith have played a large part in Thompson’s rib injuries. He brings a different element to this offense, especially for a quarterback like Smith who likes to check down to his secondary receivers.

Crowder’s injuries are even more frustrating. A free agent at season’s end, the Redskins were expecting a standout season from Crowder. He’s missed the last four games with an ankle injury and was limited in practice on Thursday before being ruled out for Sunday eventually. However, his practicing some could be a good sign moving forward.

Crowder is a big part of this offense. Not only is he the slot receiver, but he is also someone head coach Jay Gruden likes to use in the running game. Crowder will get the occasional carry and Gruden will also use him with jet-sweep plays, either giving him the football or motioning him to create mismatches with the defense.

Thompson has already been ruled out for this weekend’s game at Tampa Bay. Perhaps he’ll return to action next week when Washington faces a red-hot Houston Texans’ team.

The addition of Crowder and Thompson is critical for this offense. Washington can make the playoffs if the offense improves. It’s unlikely the running game will be as strong with so many critical injuries along the offensive line. That means Gruden must get creative and he’ll need more from the quarterback position.

For Smith to get better, he needs help. That means it’s crucial for the offense to get Crowder and Thompson back as soon as possible. If that happens, this team can win some tough games during the second half of the season as long as the defense rebounds from last week’s dismal performance. If Thompson and Crowder continue to miss time, it’s tough seeing the Redskins winning three more games in the 2018 season.