ASHBURN — With Chris Thompson’s status in doubt for the Washington Redskins’ game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, running back Matt Jones could see a majority of the third-down work on Sunday.
Thompson injured his lower back in last week’s 34-20 loss to the New York Jets when he fell after an attempt to catch quarterback Kirk Cousins’ pass toward the sideline.
Though he finished the game, Thompson has not practiced this week. In the absence of tight end Jordan Reed, who is expected to return this week after missing the last two games because of a concussion, Thompson emerged as a reliable third-down option.
The 5-foot-8 Thompson created a mismatch against linebackers when running routes out of the backfield. In the last two games, he had 12 catches for 59 yards. Thompson has 23 catches this season for 150 yards and a touchdown and 19 rushes for 120 yards.
“He’s done an excellent job both in pass protection and routes,” coach Jay Gruden said. “When he does get the ball he’s made some great plays out of the backfield. It’s an unfortunate deal, but we’ll just have to make do.”
Jones sat out the Jets game because of a toe sprain but is expected to play on Sunday. The question is whether he is fully healthy, but he is expected to be used as the third-down back if Thompson is unable to play.
In five games this season, Jones has rushed for 220 yards and three touchdowns on 54 carries. He has been used mainly on first and second down as Gruden has preferred to rotate Jones and Alfred Morris.
Jones is six inches taller than Thompson and 38 pounds heavier, but the Redskins are not hesitant to use him in a similar role.
“If it’s a situation where Chris isn’t able to go, we do have confidence, because Matt’s a guy that coming out of the back field, he’s a little bit different type of player than Chris,” offensive coordinator Sean McVay said. “But, he does have natural hands where you can use him as a legitimate option in the passing game.
“When he’s had his chances to catch the football, I think he’s done a nice this year in our screen game and in some of our play action as a check down back. If that’s the case then we feel very good about him as a third-down option.”
Jones has caught four passes for 40 yards in his rookie season.
Thompson said the pain in his lower back is far better than it was on Monday, but the swelling is an issue.
“Anything could happen,” Thompson said. “I’m just trying to get myself prepared if all the swelling goes down.”
• Anthony Gulizia can be reached at agulizia@washingtontimes.com.
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