ASHBURN — Jordan Reed hasn’t practiced since last Thursday after suffering a setback with his hamstring strain. The Redskins tight end has missed two straight games with the injury and is a game-time decision Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.
After trying to rush back last week, Reed said the Redskins are trying to be cautious with his rehab.
“It’s just a lingering thing,” Reed said. “The only way for it to heal is to rest it. We don’t have time for that right now. So it can be confusing and tricky to try and get back out there.”
Reed, who has 27 catches for 211 yards and two touchdowns this season, initially suffered the injury in Week 8 against the Dallas Cowboys. He went down just before halftime and did not return.
Reed returned to practice last Wednesday after missing an entire week in Washington’s lead-up to Seattle. But the following day, the tight end said he had a setback. Now, Reed said he feels his hamstring strain every time he tries to slow down while running.
This week, Reed has worked with trainers off to the side, testing his hamstring by accelerating in short bursts.
Reed said his hamstring strain came from “overcompensating” for his previously fractured left toe, which caused him to be put on the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin training camp. He eventually returned Aug. 23 to practice and wears orthotics to provide support.
As has been the story of his five-year career, Reed has spent the season dealing with multiple injuries. In Week 2 against the Los Angeles Rams, Reed hurt his rib cartilage and sprained his S/C joint in his chest, causing him to miss Week 3 against the Oakland Raiders.
Those injuries also limited Reed in the Redskins’ following game in Kansas City, where he played just 14 snaps.
Reed has never played 16 games in season and appeared in just 12 games last year, missing time with a concussion and later a separated shoulder.
Without Reed, an elite pass-catching tight end, the Redskins have to adjust their offense.
“It’d be nice to know on Monday if he’s going to play on Sunday because it factors into everything — red zone, short yardage, all your play-action passes,” coach Jay Gruden said. “Your personnel groupings are affected, how many plays you carry in each personnel grouping have a major impact, so that’s the most difficult thing.”
The Redskins have an odd schedule coming up, too. After traveling to New Orleans, Washington faces the New York Giants just four days later on Thanksgiving at FedEx Field. Then, they’ll have another Thursday night game against the Cowboys in Dallas.
Reed isn’t sure when he’ll be able to play again, saying he has to be smart in dealing with the injury to avoid another setback.
“It’s frustrating, man,” Reed said. “It’s right up there with all the other seasons. All I can focus on now is today and do what I’ve gotta do, so when I come back I can finish strong.”
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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