Redskins left tackle Trent Williams and tight end Jordan Reed each cleared the league's concussion protocol to be active for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Washington Redskins' offense could receive a huge boost today against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams and dynamic tight end Jordan Reed, each of whom have missed recent action as they've gone through the league's concussion protocol, have been cleared and are active for today's matchup at FedExField.
Williams and Reed each participated in practice this past week leading up to today's game, and while Jay Gruden acknowledged on Friday they looked good, he said while he felt optimistic about their chances to play, he didn't want to even begin guessing if they'd be cleared for action.
"You know, they have their own way of doing things, which is good," Gruden said. "I'm not a doctor so I'm not even going to begin to challenge what they're doing with him. So they have certain tests they have to go through and if they pass them, they'll be good. If not, we'll have to wait another week or two."
Williams was diagnosed with a concussion after the team's Week 5 game against the Atlanta Falcons, and missed last Sunday's game against the New York Jets.
Ty Nsekhe got the start in Williams' place vs. the Jets, and while the offensive line as a whole allowed just one sack to the league's top defense, they were unable to get their run game going, with just 34 net yards rushing on the afternoon.
Reed, meanwhile, was having the best statistical start to his career before suffering a concussion late during the team's Week 4 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles. He has not played in the two games since.
If he's able to play on Sunday, Reed is expected to be a major boost for the Redskins' passing attack with Kirk Cousins. The Florida product in four games has caught 24 passes for 278 yards and a touchdown.
"I feel like I could create mismatches and create separation on third down and things like that, keep the chains moving," Reed said last week when asked on the difference he makes in the team's offense. "I think it's going to create problems for them when we've got three guys like that, that can create so much separation and get open."
Redskins offensive coordinator Sean McVay said having Reed on the field is "a big-time help."
"Any time you're able to get a player of his caliber back, you feel really good about that," McVay said. "His influence and involvement both on first and second down as well will be critical to our success. I think he's done a nice job when he's been able to play this year and proven in the run game. Obviously, we know what a special receiver he is in the pass game, so we're very excited about having him on Sunday."
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