The Washington Redskins looked dead in the water on Sunday until Kirk Cousins and Jordan Reed were able to put together a comeback win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that silenced some critics. The biggest part of the win was that it was done without DeSean Jackson who continues to be off the field with an injury. The longer Jackson sits out the more his future becomes in doubt as the Redskins must take a long look at his future moving forward.
Jackson has been out for the entire preseason and the regular season with a shoulder injury and then a partially torn hamstring. According to head coach Jay Gruden, the team is not looking to rush Jackson back onto the field in order to not have any more injury setbacks, but the longer the high-priced receiver is out the more the Redskins must consider whether or not he is worth keeping. With salary cap issues set to hit the team, Jackson's deal might not be wanted anymore.
According to Mike Jones of the Washington Post, the Redskins could overhaul the receiving corps next season and the $9.2 million owed to Jackson might be the first to go. Releasing Jackson would save $8 million while cutting Pierre Garcon would save another $8 million. Garcon is not expected to go anywhere as Gruden reportedly favors his work ethic and attitude, but it might not be the same for Jackson as injuries have been a major issue. He has played just 16games since signing while bringing in six touchdowns during that time.
For now, the Redskins simply want to get Jackson on the field. If Jackson can return in Week 8 and make up for lost time, the talk around the receiver will quiet down. While the receiver remains out, Reed pulled together the game-winning score as the tight end led the team 72 yards the day with Garcon and Ryan Grant coming after him and Matt Jones carrying the disappointing game with 29 yards.
Cousins was fired up after the comeback win. The quarterback has heard plenty of criticism surrounding him this past week as many wondered if it was time to try Robert Griffin III again. Cousins message to the media was simple, "Do you like that?"
"I mean, I just get really fired up after we win, that's all it is, just fired up," Cousins said, via the Washington Post's Dan Steinberg. "I can get more fired up, but I try to stay composed. But yeah man, it was just good."