DeSean Jackson among reinforcements on the way for Redskins’ clash with Patriots
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Version 0 of 1. Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson said Monday that he intends to play Sunday at the New England Patriots, proclaiming himself “good to go” nearly two months after straining his left hamstring in the Sept. 13 season opener. “Everything is a green light,” Jackson said after joining teammates for what Coach Jay Gruden characterized as a “bonus” practice Monday at Redskins Park. Jackson, 28, a three-time Pro Bowl honoree, is the squad’s speediest wide receiver and last season led the NFL with a 20.9 yards-per-catch average. But he was not to be hurried when it came to the first hamstring injury of his pro career. And Gruden made clear on several occasions that he wouldn’t pressure him to return, fearful of reinjury, even as Washington’s offense grew predictable without the implied threat of a big-play wide receiver. Jackson strained the hamstring while pursuing the second ball thrown his way in the first quarter of Washington’s 17-10 loss to Miami. He pulled up abruptly as the ball fell incomplete, was helped off the field and hasn’t played since. The injury was projected to sideline him three to four weeks. Jackson eased back to practice just shy of the five-week mark, on Oct. 15, but halted the workout the moment he felt a twinge in the tendon. [Steinberg: Redskins want to run ball and stop the run but aren’t doing either] With tight end Jordan Reed joining Jackson on the sideline in Weeks 5 and 6, Gruden reined in the passing game, focusing on short- to midrange throws that also minimized the interception risk for quarterback Kirk Cousins. But the rushing game suffered, in turn, as defenses loaded up against the run, and the Redskins lost back-to-back games at Atlanta and the Jets. Reed’s return proved pivotal in the 31-30 comeback against Tampa Bay, in which the tight end caught two touchdown passes, including the game-winner. Ideally, Jackson’s return Sunday will provide a similar spark and complicate the task for a Patriots defense that’s allowing just 19 points per game. With NFL teams not required to disclose injury information until midweek, Gruden didn’t discuss Jackson’s health status or that of the other injured starters — cornerbacks DeAngelo Hall and Chris Culliver, center Kory Lichtensteiger and linebacker Ryan Kerrigan. Jackson was alone among them in telling reporters after practice that he felt ready and expected to play against the 7-0 Patriots. “I’m good; I’m ready to go,” Jackson said. [Bog: Belichick praises Cousins — but it’s a trap!] Jackson, who turns 29 on Dec. 1, is hardly the only NFL starter whose season has been derailed by injury. Many players are battling ailments of one form or another nearing the midpoint of the season. At most positions, playing hurt is part of the job requirements. But there’s a difference between playing hurt in order to help your team and hurting your team because you have no business playing. That’s the calculus several Redskins are weighing, along with the team’s medical staff, as they sort out who will suit up Sunday at New England. “For me personally, it’s a question of ‘Can I play effectively?’ ” said Kerrigan, who underwent surgery on his broken right hand Oct. 26. He practiced Monday nonetheless, wearing a hard cast that protected the bulk of his hand but allowed mobility in his fingers. “I don’t want to be out there and just be a body out there. I’m not doing myself any good, I’m not doing the team any good out there in that capacity. If I am able to play, I want to make sure I’m effective and somebody that’s going to make a difference.” [Insider: Gruden says Redskins need to have best week of preparation] With or without Kerrigan, who led the squad with 131/2 sacks last season, it’s imperative the Redskins find a way to rattle Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who has thrown 20 touchdown passes and one interception this season. “His mechanics in the pocket are perfect,” Gruden said, enumerating Brady’s strengths. “His reads, his leadership, his accuracy. . . . He has got great touch on the football when he needs it. His pocket presence is outstanding. There is really not anything you can say negative about the guy. Obviously, we’re going to have to get him off his spot. We’re going to have to rush the passer in order to have a chance — somehow, some way.” That’s just part of the Redskins’ to-do list as they prepare for a Patriots team that hasn’t scored fewer than 28 points in a game this season. Washington’s injury-riddled defensive backfield will be tested. Culliver (knee) and Hall (toe) took measured steps forward, but both left open the question of whether they would be able to play Sunday. Meanwhile, Gruden conceded he’s concerned about cornerback Bashaud Breeland, who strained a hamstring in the victory over the Buccaneers. “Whoever is back there,” Gruden said of the secondary, “they’re going to have to play their butt off because obviously the passing attack of the Patriots is one of the best.” But the most effective defense against Brady is keeping the ball out of his hands. That means the Redskins must figure out a way to jump-start their sputtering running game. To that end, Gruden said he intended to continue leaning on both Alfred Morris and rookie Matt Jones. |