ASHBURN — Redskins defensive lineman Matt Ioannidis will have a better chance of playing Sunday against the New Orleans Saints after missing the last two games with a fractured hand.
Ioannidis returned to practice Wednesday, donning a cast on his left hand. The Redskins officially listed him in as limited.
Redskins coach Jay Gruden said Ioannidis “felt pretty good” during practice.
“He had a nice club on today at practice,” Gruden said. “Limited basis but he looked good. Hopefully he uses that to his advantage. Be like ’The Longest Yard.’”
Ioannidis suffered a fractured hand in Week 8 against the Dallas Cowboys. The Redskins defensive end then underwent surgery during the following week to repair his fourth metacarpal.
Ioannidis, who has 3½ sacks this season, helped the Redskins improve their interior pass rush, which has taken a step back since his injury and placing Jonathan Allen (foot) on injured reserve in October.
Redskins defensive lineman Ziggy Hood said they will have Ioannidis back against the Saints. Ioannidis will likely play with his cast.
“It’s all about how much heart you got when you go out there and play,” Hood said. “As long as he’s not feeling no pain, it’s all right.”
Crowder misses day
Redskins wide receiver Jamison Crowder missed practice Wednesday because of a personal reason, but Gruden said they expect him back Thursday.
Meanwhile, tight end Jordan Reed (hamstring) and Trent Williams (knee) also missed practice. Reed did rehab work to the side.
Zach Brown pops up on injury report
Linebacker Zach Brown has popped up on the Redskins injury report at various times this season with a back injury and later an ankle injury. On Wednesday, he was listed with an Achilles injury and was limited in practice. Brown has yet to miss a game this season.
Three players limited with concussions
Wide receivers Ryan Grant and Brian Quick and tight end Niles Paul were limited in practice with a concussion. Gruden said Grant is still in concussion protocol, while he didn’t mention if the other two were still there. Quick and Paul missed Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings, while Grant suffered his injury in the second quarter.
Grant was initially cleared to return to play during the game, but Redskins trainers noticed symptoms and decided to re-evaluate him, finding a concussion.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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