Josh Doctson misses third straight practice with heel injury

ASHBURN, Virginia — Washington Redskins wide receiver Josh Doctson missed his third straight day of practice Friday with a heel injury, putting his status for Monday’s game against the New Orleans Saints in question.

On Monday, Doctson had his heel “kicked” in practice, coach Jay Gruden said. NBC Sports Washington’s JP Finlay reported Doctson is in a walking boot for the injury.

If Doctson isn’t ready to go, Gruden said receiver Maurice Harris will start and Michael Floyd will be active for the first time since the Redskins signed him on Sept. 17.

“I don’t know,” Gruden said when asked if Doctson will be able to play against the Saints. “We kept him in today with the trainers and we shall see tomorrow if he can do anything.”

Doctson has yet to miss a game this season, but fans easily worry about his status after he missed all of but two games during his rookie season in 2016. The 25-year-old appeared in all 16 games last year, but dealt with hamstring and shoulder injury at various points.

Since drafted by Washington with the 22nd overall pick, he has yet to break out. In 2017, he had 35 receptions for 502 yards with six touchdowns, catching just 44.9 percent of his passes.

Doctson has gotten off to another slow start this year, recording just five receptions for 48 yards in three outings.

“I think statistically it’s not where he wants to be but I think he’s getting better,” Gruden said. “We are 2-1, that’s the bottom line. We’ve been pretty productive on offense. Sometimes he’ll be asked to do more, make some plays, hopefully it will be this week but I think he’ll make plenty of plays for us by the time the season is over.”

Besides Doctson, safety Troy Apke (hamstring) and guard Shawn Lauvao (calf) missed Friday’s practice.

Cornerback Josh Norman (hamstring), running back Adrian Peterson (ankle), receiver Paul Richardson (shoulder), guard Brandon Scherff (knee) and Trent Williams (knee) were all limited, but are on track to play Monday.