A myriad of Redskins news; Left tackle, Josh Doctson, Jordan Reed, and more
With the season a mere twelve days away and the final preseason game just around the corner, the Washington Redskins have many questions left unanswered and positions still up for grabs. Over the past two days, Jay Gruden and the D.C. media have done quite a bit to answer those questions.
Left Tackle – Its becoming more and more clear that pro-bowl left tackle Trent Williams will likely never wear the burgundy and gold again. After countless trade rumors, teammates past and present speaking out on the issue and a continued silence for William’s camp, the two sides appear to be far, far apart on any type of agreement that would see Williams suit up for the team this year. On Monday Ian Rapoport tweeted that Trent Williams is healthy and ready to play… for someone. On the same day, coach Jay Gruden stated that he strongly believes that Williams will not be traded. During the same press conference Gruden let it be known that veteran Donald Penn will likely be the opening game starter at left tackle. Some thought that Jeron Christian would make a run at that spot, but Penn’s solid performance during last week’s preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons appears to have lock up the starting job for him. The only question that remains in regards to left tackle is what will happen with Williams. Will the Redskins trade him? Will the team allow him to sit home and miss paychecks? Will missed paychecks be enough to prompt Williams to return? There seems to be no end in sight to the situation.
Josh Doctson – A report by Ben Standing of the athletic on Monday stated that wide receiver Josh Doctson will not be on the team’s roster by the opening game. The team has lost faith in the former first round pick and would like to trade him. If a trading partner can not be found, the Redskins are likely to release him. Doctson is set to become a free agent at the end of the year. A trade of Doctson could potentially land a conditional 6th or 7th round pick, quite an indictment on a receiver with a litany of physical gifts that has never translated to production.
Jordan Reed – Redskins nation has been collectively holding their breathe since Jordan Reed was blasted in the head by Keanu Neal during the preseason game against the Falcons. Reed stayed in the game, however, was later placed in the league’s concussion protocol. On Monday, Jay Gruden expressed optimism that Reed would be ready by opening week against the Philadelphia Eagle.
Bryce Love – Jay Gruden stated on Monday that forth round draft pick Bryce Love will end up on the physically unable to perform list and hinted that he is likely to miss the entire season. Gruden added that 2019 might be a red-shirt season for love. There is much to get excited about when it comes to the Mountaineer given that he was one of the best running backs in all of college football before an ACL tear in his final game. With Chris Thompson set to be a free agent at the end of the season, it is no wonder that the team is hesitant to push Love along and may use him to offset the high price tag that Thompson is sure to command.
