The Washington Redskins are likely not making a trade at the deadline for Robert Griffin III, as teams do not want to take on the contract of the young quarterback. The Redskins are expecting to have DeSean Jackson back to start in Week 9 and this comes as both Matt Jones and Alfred Morris will be getting work at running back for Jay Gruden.
Jackson is on track to return Week 9 after being out since Week 1 of the season, as ESPN reports that the wide receiver was able to practice in full on Monday. John Keim reports that Jackson said that he is ready to return and that his hamstring feels "great" for Sunday, which will see the Redskins take on the Patriots. Jackson said he has a "green light" for Sunday and that he is "ready to go" for the offense. The Redskins have lacked a consistent deep threat with Jackson out and the team is hoping he can provide a spark for the offense, which played well in a comeback victory against the Buccaneers before the bye week.
Jackson was originally injured in the first quarter of the first game of the season while going after a deep ball. Jackson appeared on track to return in mid-October, but he aggravated his injury in practice and that kept him out until now. CSN Washington's Tarik El-Bashir reported over the weekend that Jackson was targeting Week 9 for his return, but the team wanted to see if he was able to practice before making the decision. Jackson has been dealing with a hamstring injury since Week 1 of the season and he has yet to record a catch for the Redskins in 2015.
According to Pro Football Talk, Jackson was moving at "measured speed" in practice on Monday and he likely will see things ramp up later in the week. Ryan Kerrigan is reportedly getting close to playing after having hand surgery, as he was able to participate in practice on Monday as well. The Redskins would love to have both players in the field for Sunday against the Patriots, as the team comes in as heavy underdogs in that game.
Robert Griffin III has been mentioned as a potential trade target by some in the NFL, but based on recent reports, it's very unlikely that the Redskins are going to make a deal. According to Josina Anderson at ESPN.com, the Redskins have not been getting any calls about Griffin, as teams do not want to take on his contract heading into 2016. The Redskins and Griffin may not have much of a future together, but right now it looks like the two sides will remain together for the season.
Fantasy owners should look at starting Matt Jones into next week, as CBS Sports reports that Jones is going to continue to get carries on offense. Jay Gruden likes how Jones has been performing this season and last week he had way more snaps than Morris, going for 45 compared to 10 and that could make him a solid option even against a tough defense like the Patriots.