The Washington Redskins can call in the reinforcements. Tight end Jordan Reed hasn't been able to do anything for the team so far this preseason, as he has been on the Physically Unable to Perform list. No longer will his name appear on that list, however. The team activated him from the PUP on Sunday, allowing him to return to the field of play. It's good news for the team and the quarterback, who could desperately use a weapon of that caliber.
Reed comes off the PUP
The Redskins made the call about their tight end on Sunday. He passed a physical at some point this weekend, enabling him to be activated. He was placed on the PUP a day before training camp was set to begin, to the shock of many fans who have gone through the injury gauntlet with Reed, but thought those days were in the past. Maybe he'll finally be able to put them behind him now that he's returned to health once more.
Reed was hopeful last week that he would be able to return from the toe injury in time for the team's preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals next week.
The team's official website has reported that he has been fit for customized orthopedics so that he can comfortably wear any shoes he wants. It doesn't seem like a guarantee he'll play next week, although that's when starters tend to get the most run in the preseason. The Redskins must strike a balance between getting him integrated into the offense and putting Reed in danger of tweaking his injury.
Redskins have a need
When healthy, Reed is one of the best players at his position in the NFL. He can be a dynamic pass catcher and a decent blocker. The team will especially need him to be the former this season. The receiving group was overhauled after last season, with Terrelle Pryor Jr. replacing both DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon.
That means Reed's role is only going to grow in the Redskins offense.
There are some capable backup tight ends on the Redskins roster, including Niles Paul and Vernon Davis. But when healthy, Reed has the potential to be a Pro Bowl tight end. He actually was voted to be there last year for the first time in his career, but couldn't make it because he was still recovering from a separated shoulder he incurred earlier in the year. In 12 games, he caught 66 passes for 686 yards and six touchdowns. He has never played a full 16-game slate in his career, though. If he can't do it this year, the offense is going to stall and the future of Cousins in the city will come into question - that's a big domino effect for one tight end, but he should be able to handle the massive pressure.