The Washington Redskins are dealing with unwanted injuries early on that could set the team back before they ever really get started. The Redskins are facing a critical season for everyone involved after the downfalls of the past two years. Much of that pressure sits on the shoulders of Robert Griffin III while the rest is on the players around him. Early injuries to both Niles Paul and Silas Redd are the first unwanted setbacks for the Redskins.
The first preseason game was not kind to Washington. The Redskins might have won their game against the Cleveland Browns, but it came at a price. Starting tight end Niles Paul officially ended his season on Thursday night. According to the team website, the tight end suffered a fractured ankle after getting injured in the first quarterback of the game and carted off the field. Paul was expected to play a huge role in the offense as a versatile tight end. The loss of him hurts Griffin along with blocking on the offensive line. In his place, Jordan Reed will be asked to step up immediately. He added 27 pounds in the offseason to try and improve. The Redskins will likely look to add someone. Zach Miller and Fred Davis are the best available.
Paul was not the only player to go down early. Third-string running back Silas Redd reportedly suffered a torn MCL and ACL tear according to head coach Jay Gruden via the team website. Redd was also carted off the field at one point. Redd was listed as the third-string running back, but was in the running to see a lot of playing time this season. Alfred Morris and Matt Jones have also been battling it out in training camp to be the full-time started. The injury to Redd leaves less quality depth for the Redskins to work with.
All of this will factor into the year's performance from Griffin. The quarterback did have his fifth-year option picked up in the offseason, but that in no way guarantees his future for the long-term. The Redskins have put the quarterback on notice this season in hopes that it boosts improvement. In the first preseason game, he drew mixed reactions. He completed 4 of 8 passes for 39 yards while having a few costly misses. It was Kirk Cousins that ended up looking like the better quarterback at the end of the game.
"There's no need to overthink anything," Griffin said, via ESPN.com. "Let your instincts take over and that's what you do. We'll continue to do that."
