The Washington Redskins are expected to get DeSean Jackson back in Week 5, as the wideout returned to practice, while tight end Jordan Reed likely will be out with an injury. The Redskins have some fantasy sleeper options for Kirk Cousins, as players like Chris Thompson, Jamison Crowder and Matt Jones have stepped up at various times over the past few games.
Jackson has not been able to play since the first game of the season and he has yet to register a catch this year for the Redskins. According to the Washington Post, Jackson has returned to practice for the first time since dealing with a hamstring injury and there is a chance he could play on Sunday. Jackson could be limited in the game, but the Redskins would love to have him back on the field to help add a deep threat to the offense for Kirk Cousins. According to ESPN.com, Jackson said it's "possible" that he will return for the game and that the team is "optimistic" that he plays against the Falcons.
The Redskins are 2-2 and they are feeling good about themselves after winning over the Eagles last week and getting Jackson back would be big for the offense. The Redskins have been throwing the ball a lot under Jay Gruden and overall Cousins has played fairly well for the team, including last week when he had 289 yards and one touchdown and zero interceptions against the Eagles. Cousins had over 300 yards last week and he has not had Jay Gruden thinking about putting Robert Griffin back in the starting lineup at this point. If the team hits a rough patch that could change, but right now it looks like Cousins has the job locked in for the season.
Jackson was originally injured on the second series of the season and he has not been back on the field since then. Last season Jackson was the big play receiver for the Redskins and he averaged 20 yards per catch, which was his highest total since back in 2010. Jackson had six touchdowns last season and 56 catches and he will be looking to get things going if he can get back on the field in week 5.
Jordan Reed is dealing with some injuries and he could be out for the Week 5 game. Reed is dealing with ankle and knee injuries and also suffered a concussion and that could keep him off the field for a stretch. Reed is a solid fantasy tight end and him being out is a tough loss for fantasy owners. This season Reed had 24 catches for 278 yards in four games played. Jamison Crowder stepped up last week with Jackson out again, as he had seven catches for 65 yards and a promising 12 targets from Cousins.
Chris Thompson is an option in deeper leagues and PPR leagues, as he has 11 catches on the season and had 53 yards rushing and a TD last week. Alfred Morris is the starter, but Matt Jones is a solid handcuff option with 200 yards this season and two touchdowns.
