As the Redskins continue their preseason build to regular season action, they'll now have their superstar tight end back on the field as Jordan Reed has been activated from the PUP list.
Jordan Reed is back.
The Washington Redskins announced on Sunday that the Pro Bowl tight end has been activated from the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list after he passed a physical.
Reed was placed on PUP the day before Washington's training camp opened up at the Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center in Richmond, Va., as he dealt with a toe injury.
The five-year veteran told reporters last week that he expected to return to the field prior to Washington's preseason Week 3 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. He had recently been fitted for customized orthopedics, which can be worn in any cleats or shoes of his choosing.
"It's been working good," Reed said. "It's helped my toe out a lot and when I tried them out it felt really good."
Even if he has to wear them throughout the season, Reed believes he'll be able to play at a top level once the regular season begins next month.
"I think the coaches are allowing me to rest it and allow it to heal," Reed said. "I don't think it will be a problem during the season because it's starting to heal up really good right now."
With his return, an already deep tight ends group now features their Pro Bowl headliner.
Reed, of course, has been one of the top players at his position over the last two years after experiencing a breakout campaign in 2015.
In total, the University of Florida product has collected 153 receptions for 1,638 yards and 17 touchdowns over the last two seasons.
"Any time a guy like Jordan goes down it's tragic for the team because he's such a vital part of what we we're doing on offense," tight end Niles Paul said this week. "Honestly, we all feed off of him and each other as far as competition and getting better on routes and blocking. I benefit more from him being out here just to be able to feed off of each other. Him being gone has provided me, Vern [Vernon Davis] and a lot of the younger guys opportunities to showcase our talents on certain plays that we wouldn't normally get."
Washington currently has seven tight ends on the active roster with Reed, Davis and Paul along with Derek Carrier, Jeremy Sprinkle, E.J. Bibbs and Manasseh Garner.
Davis recorded two receptions for 49 yards against the Green Bay Packers in Washington's preseason Week 2 game, while Paul capped off an all-around performance with a 16-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter.
