The Washington Redskins will head to Dallas for Sunday's regular season finale against the Cowboys without safety Dashon Goldson and cornerback Quinton Dunbar.
Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden on Friday announced that safety Dashon Goldson (shoulder/ribs) and cornerback Quinton Dunbar will be out for Sunday's Week 17 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys, while running back Rob Kelley (hip) and linebacker Perry Riley Jr. (foot) are doubtful.
Dunbar did not practice this week as he's dealing with a quad injury.
In 11 games this season, the rookie cornerback has tallied 13 tackles and an interception while taking on a prominent role on the defense.
In Week 12, Dunbar was a Rookie of the Week nominee after recording his first career interception off of Eli Manning in the end zone.
"He's improving everyday which is a good sign," Gruden said. "I see him out there doing some more drill work on the side with the trainers and he's got a little bit more mobility. He had a much better day today then he did yesterday, so I'm hoping with, you know, a few more extra days of rest and all that stuff he'll be ready to roll next week. But, it is a concern cause it is a pulled muscle. We've had some tough deals with those."
Goldson, meanwhile, leads the Redskins in tackles this season with 110.
The two-time Pro Bowler has been a steadying force in a secondary that's dealt with consistent change this season while also providing veteran leadership for a young group.
"Some are vocal leaders, some do it by example, some do it by work ethic," defensive coordinator Joe Barry said of the unit's leadership. "Every room we have that. We have that in the linebacker room. We have it in the DB room. But Hatch definitely is the guy that – him and Dashon Goldson have been great this year just as far as setting the tone for us as a defense."
Jones (hip) practiced on Wednesday, but did not participate on Thursday or Friday.
"He tried to push it yesterday and didn't feel right so we kept him out today," Gruden said on Thursday.
If he cannot go this week, it will mark the second straight game the third-round pick will have missed due to a hip injury.
On the season, Jones has 144 carries for 490 yards and three touchdowns along with 19 receptions for 304 yards and a 78-yard touchdown reception against the New Orleans Saints.
Riley Jr. returned to practice this week for the first time since undergoing foot surgery after suffering an early-December practice.
"He's one of those guys that's on the list as far as we're not sure yet, but I'd love to get him out there — at least pre-game warmup, let him run around, maybe get a series or two," Gruden said on Wednesday. "But I don't know if that's possible or not yet. We'll wait for the trainers to make that determination come Friday or Saturday."
Questionable this week are DeAngelo Hall (calf), Jason Hatcher (knee), Jamison Crowder (knee), Pierre Thomas (knee) and Trent Williams (knee/foot).
Hall feared that he had torn his calf last Saturday against the Eagles, but the defensive back is currently dealing with a strain of the muscle.
"Just been rehabbing," Hall said. "I went from barely being able to walk when I got on the plane to I'm walking around fine, light jogging. I don't know if I'll play. I don't know if they'll hold me out just for precautionary reasons or what. It's getting better, it's feeling better. I'm getting treatment, been in treatment every day since the game ended for hours at a time. Just trying to get back so I can help my team win."
Hatcher has played in all 15 games for the Redskins so far this season, as the 10-year veteran has tallied 20 tackles with two sacks and a forced fumble.
Jackson has dealt with the knee injury since the second half of the Redskins' Week 14 victory over the Chicago Bears, but has played through it.
In nine games this season, Jackson – a three-time Pro Bowler – has hauled in 30 receptions for 528 yards and four touchdowns.
Thomas "twisted" his knee making a sharp cut during Wednesday's practice, according to Gruden.
Signed in early December as insurance for the team with Chris Thompson dealing with a shoulder injury, the nine-year veteran was instrumental in the offense being so effective against the Eagles last Saturday, tallying four carries for 22 yards and seven carries for 67 yards.
"I showed them what I can do when they put me in the game," Thomas said. "I feel they feel comfortable with me. I got a lot of good responses from the coaches and the players after that game and they're happy to have me. I think we're ready to move forward and I'm happy to move forward."
Williams, who was recently named to his fourth-straight Pro Bowl, is dealing with a knee and a foot injury.
Williams has not been sidelined by the issues while dealing with the pain in recent weeks, however.
If he cannot go, then Ty Nsekhe could be in line for his second start of the season.
"My preparation for this week is like [how I prepare] for every week," Nsekhe said. "With the opportunity that's presented for me, you know, this might be an opportunity to be starting, might be playing a whole lot of time, so I'm going to take advantage of it."
Gruden said Nskehe has played well in his opportunities this season, most recently replacing Morgan Moses in the Redskins' Week 15 victory over the Buffalo Bills.
"He's a big man and he's gonna have to come in there and compete if Trent can't play. So, you know, injuries do happen. Like I said yesterday, guys have stepped up. Worst-case scenarios have happened and we have overcome a lot of them. So Nsekhe's got to get himself ready and he has done that. He's practiced well throughout the season and he's spelled Morgan Moses a few times and has done well."
Will Blackmon (shin/hip), Will Compton (shin), Ryan Grant (abdomen), Josh LeRibeus (ankle), Morgan Moses (ankle), Keenan Robinson (shoulder) and Chris Thompson (shoulder) practiced in either full or limited capacity this week and will be listed as probable.
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