The Washington Redskins have placed tight end Niles Paul on the injured reserve list with a shoulder injury, coach Jay Gruden said.
As a result, tight end Derek Carrier returned from the physically unable to perform list. Carrier was placed on the PUP list Aug. 30 this year after tearing both his ACL and MCL in Week 14 of the 2015 season against the Chicago Bears. With Monday’s practice, Carrier now has 21 days until he can be activated to the Redskins’ active roster.
According to Gruden, Paul is dealing with a labrum issue that requires surgery.
What complicates things is Paul’s role on the team. Paul is utilized as the Redskins’ fullback, and with Carrier’s status still not completely known, there’s a void in filling Paul’s role. Gruden did say the team is looking into adding a player who can fill that role.
“We’re going to look around today, tomorrow and see if we bring another guy in,” Gruden said. “Hopefully, Derek starts his clock, [we will] see if he’s read to go. You know, he played a lot for us when he was up. First action back for a long time with him, but hopefully we get him ready to go.”
Gruden said the rest of his players’ injury statuses will be made available on Wednesday. But safety Will Blackmon, who had thumb surgery last week, practiced with a bandaged hand. Blackmon said following practice he anticipates playing against the Minnesota Vikings.
Tackle Morgan Moses, who is dealing with an ankle injury, said he was doing better and that the bye week helped in his recovery.
• Tommy Chalk can be reached at tchalk@washingtontimes.com.
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