Fans of the Washington Redskins would be right in thinking this situation looks familiar. Tight end Jordan Reed is being held out of practice -- in fact, he's being placed on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list. He didn't end last season with any physical issues, so the news is concerning to fans of the team. Hopefully it's just a precautionary measure and nothing to stress over for the fans.
Reed off to an auspicious start
Reasons were given for why many of the team's players are starting training camp on the PUP list. The same wasn't the case for Reed, though.
It wasn't until later in the day when the Redskins revealed that the tight end is dealing with toe pain and soreness. The injury isn't believed to be serious and shouldn't hold him out of any meaningful action, but the team wants to be careful with one of the most important receivers Kirk Cousins has this season.
2015-2016:
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) July 26, 2017
Kirk Cousins w/ Jordan Reed on field: 42 TD, 10 INT, 106.4 passer rating
w/o Reed: 12 TD, 13 INT, 86.1 rating
Reed is arguably the most valuable player the Redskins have on offense, including Cousins -- he just opens up the field so much for the team. He's one of the best and most athletic tight ends in football, but he now has some injury concerns following him.
He has yet to play 16 games in an NFL season. Concussions sidelined him in 2013, multiple hamstring injuries derailed his 2014 campaign, and a left shoulder issue caused him to miss time on the field in 2016. Fans (and fantasy football players) hope the stint on the PUP is not foreshadowing another injury-plagued year.
Other Redskins on the PUP
In total, four Redskins were placed on the PUP list at the start of training camp, including Reed. Safety DeAngelo Hall is entering his 10th season with the team. While he's expected to be a back-up this season, he is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered in Week 2 last year. Linebacker Houston Bates also suffered a torn ACL (Week 15), though he is largely a contributor on special teams, not defense.
Meanwhile, wide receiver Kendal Thompson -- who spent last season on the team's practice squad -- has been dealing with a previously undisclosed leg injury.
A PUP designation doesn't necessarily spell doom for any of these Washington players. It just means they can't actively participate in practice until they are cleared by a doctor. They are still allowed to be around the team and in meetings. Jordan Reed's status for the rest of the offseason will determine whether or not football fans have to panic about his prospects for this season.
