With issues mounting at the quarterback position, the Washington Redskins would love to get their top wide receiver back on the field. Out since Week 1, Jackson has been dealing with a hamstring issue that has kept him off the field. Jackson has returned to practice, but has yet to get into a game and that is not expected to change with the Redskins preparing to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
According to the Washington Post, the availability for Jackson come Sunday remains a mystery. According to team sources, Jackson tore his left hamstring originally and then suffered a setback last Thursday in practice which has put him doubtful once again. Head coach Jay Gruden told the media he does not want to play Jackson if he is not fully healthy.
"We're going to evaluate him this week," Gruden said, via the Post. "He's got a couple good days of rehab here. Wednesday we'll see where he is at. Hopefully it's coming along. But it's not a definite, no. The problem is you put him out there at 80 percent and then he tries to go 100 and then he's going to be back down to 30 percent just like that. These hamstrings are delicate."
The Redskins are hoping to get several players back from injuries heading into Week 7. According to Gruden, tight end Jordan Reed is improving after suffering a concussion that has left him out since Week 4. With Niles Paul out for the year, the Redskins need Reed on the field. The same can be said for Matt Jones as Alfred Morris struggles with consistency. Jones was ruled out against the Jets because of a sprained toe. The rookie is needed as he has 220 yards and three touchdowns on the season. The Redskins will rely heavily on the run game against the Buccaneers if Jackson is out once again.
Getting a healthy roster back would be critical for Kirk Cousins. The quarterback has certainly struggled this season leaving Gruden to defend his position as starter for the team. With Robert Griffin III healthy and waiting in the wings, Cousins is one bad game away from getting replaced. Having weapons to work with will be critical for his success.
"I'm not trying to make excuses for anybody," Gruden said, via Liz Clarke of the Washington Post. "It wasn't good enough by anybody - not Kirk, not myself, not the offensive line, not the coaching staff. There's nobody in this locker room who played good enough to win a football game Sunday afternoon. I'm not making excuses for anybody. I'm not trying to baby anybody."
