Redskins’ Reed and Williams aim to play on Sunday, but it’s not their call
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Version 0 of 1. For all the advances of medical science, it’s impossible for an expert neurologist, much less a second-year NFL coach, to predict when it’s safe for a concussed football player to return to competition. So it was both a surprise and relief when Washington Redskins left tackle Trent Williams and tight end Jordan Reed were cleared to return to practice Wednesday — albeit in a limited capacity — 10 and 17 days, respectively, after suffering concussions during games. Reed, who hasn’t practiced or played since Oct. 4 as a result, said in an interview Wednesday that he fully intends to play Sunday against Tampa Bay (2-3), with the Redskins dropping to 2-4 after back-to-back losses at Atlanta and the New York Jets. “One hundred percent,” Reed said, asked whether he expected to play Sunday. Neither Reed nor Williams has been cleared for contact drills under the NFL’s five-step concussion protocol. Ideally, that will come later this week, provided they don’t have a setback as they gradually increase their activity. “There’s a pretty good chance they play,” Coach Jay Gruden said, noting they would have to be symptom-free and cleared by the independent neurologist who will evaluate them later this week. [Insider: Five questions for Redskins as they prepare for Tampa Bay] But in a generally upbeat injury report, Gruden delivered discouraging news about DeSean Jackson, the Redskins’ speedy wide receiver, who played less than one quarter in the Sept. 13 season-opening loss to Miami before straining his left hamstring, an injury that has sidelined him since. Jackson did light running and footwork drills with a trainer on Wednesday, but Gruden characterized the likelihood of him playing in Sunday’s crucial game — the Redskins’ last before their bye week and Nov. 8 road game against the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots — as “not very high.” “It’s a long shot,” Gruden said, “but there’s a chance.” The Redskins’ passing game has struggled since Reed suffered the fourth diagnosed concussion of his career against Philadelphia, a game that Washington went on to win, improving their record to 2-2. The 6-foot-2, 237-pound Reed poses a challenge for defenses, whether covered by a cornerback, safety or linebacker. He has played a key role in converting third downs. Moreover, among a corps of receivers who stand 6 feet or shorter, he represents a welcome, imposing target once inside opponents’ 20-yard line. “When he’s not in there, it takes a little bit off your plate as far as your play call, your formation, your schemes,” Gruden said. “It takes a lot off, to be honest with you.” Reed’s absence these past two weeks only compounded that of Jackson, who last season led the NFL with a 20.9 yards-per-catch average. With Jackson and Reed out, it has been a rarity for the Redskins to complete a pass of 20 yards or more in a game. That has made it easy for defenses to focus on squelching the running game, essentially grounding Washington’s offense in the process. The Redskins currently rank 32nd, last in the NFL, in passing yards per completion (6.04). Despite the fact that he has missed the past two games, Reed still ranks second on the team with 278 receiving yards (on 24 catches). He also leads the team in yards per catch (a modest 11.6). Although Reed insists he’ll play Sunday, it won’t be his decision. Concussed NFL players can return to competition only after being cleared by an independent NFL neurologist. “I feel like I could help the team,” said Reed, adding that it has been difficult to watch the Redskins’ offense struggle from the sidelines. “It’s frustrating to not be there for my guys . . . I’m just excited to be back out there.” Both Reed and Williams have a few hurdles left — being cleared for and taking part in contact drills, showing no signs of a setback afterward and getting the final approval by a neurologist — before they can suit up in a game. But Williams, 27, said he’s hopeful he can accomplish all that this week. “I feel fine,” Williams said. “The whole protocol is a new thing; it’s new to me, so I really don’t know. It’s not in my hands.” Williams said his concussion, suffered in the fourth quarter against the Jets, was his first as a Redskin and the second of his football career. Reed, 25, asked if the fact that this was his fourth known concussion gave him additional concern about his recovery, said, “No. I just leave it in God’s hands.” The Redskins were without 12 of their 22 opening-day starters in Sunday’s 34-20 loss to the Jets at MetLife Stadium. While Williams and Reed are progressing, center Kory Lichtensteiger (neck) and running back Chris Thompson (bruised back), who has emerged as the team’s third-down back, were unable to practice. [Insider: Thompson and Paea making progress with back injuries] Gruden said Lichtensteiger is ailing with a disc injury that has weakened his left side. “It’s just a matter of getting his strength back on his left side, and he’s coming along pretty good,” Gruden said, declining to offer a timetable. Meantime, fourth-year player Josh LeRibeus, who filled in at center against the Jets, is preparing as if he will start again Sunday. 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