The Washington Redskins are expected to have DeSean Jackson back for Week 9 after dealing with a hamstring injury, as the wide receiver was able to practice this week. The Redskins have Kirk Cousins coming in after his best game of the season and fantasy football owners should look at Matt Jones, Alfred Morris, Jackson and Jordan Reed as starter options against the Patriots.
The Redskins are coming into Week 9 after a bye and that time off gave Jackson the chance to heal up his hamstring, which he injured back in Week 1. Jackson has not recorded a catch yet this season for Washington and he has not played since being injured early in the first game of the season. According to ESPN.com, Jackson is ready to return against the Patriots, saying that he's "good and ready to go" and that he has the "green light for Sunday" for Washington.
Jackson previously looked like he was going to return in the middle of October, but he aggravated his hamstring injury and did not end up playing. The Redskins offense has been lacking a consistent deep threat with Jackson out and getting him back should help Kirk Cousins open things up. The Patriots defense poses a tough challenge for the Redskins, but the team should at least be better off with Jackson on the field. Last season Jackson averaged over 20 yards per catch and he could provide the team with a spark on the outside on Sunday.
Pierre Garcon and Jamison Crowder have stepped up with Jackson out and now Cousins will get another target to use on offense along with Jordan Reed. Reed has also missed time this season, but he was able to return last week from a concussion and was a reliable target for Cousins as the team made a comeback against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Reed had 11 catches on 13 targets for 72 yards with two touchdowns and moving forward he is a solid fantasy starter as long as he can stay healthy.
The Redskins offense has been pushing Matt Jones at running back despite Alfred Morris being the starter and for now he is a better option for fantasy owners. Jay Gruden said that both players would be involved on offense coming into the week, but Jones has been getting more touches lately and owners could try and ride that until Morris starts getting more work. Gruden said that both players are going to get "their touches" and will split carries moving forward this season.
The Redskins did not push for a Robert Griffin III trade at the deadline this week and reports had teams not interested in making a move for the quarterback. According to Josina Anderson at ESPN, the Redskins did not get calls from other teams about Griffin, as teams were not interested in taking on his contract with a 2016 salary of $16.155 million. Griffin has been behind Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy this season and his future in Washington is up in the air.
