ASHBURN, Va. – The Washington Redskins won’t have their starting corners or receiver DeSean Jackson, again, for Sunday’s game vs. Tampa Bay. They’ll also be without center Kory Lichtensteiger and running back Chris Thompson is doubtful.
But they do expect to have tight end Jordan Reed and left tackle Trent Williams. The Redskins are awaiting written confirmation that they have been cleared from the concussion protocol. A team source said Thursday night that both had been cleared, but Gruden said Williams was going to see the independent neurologist Friday.
“Both of them have had no setbacks,” Redskins coach Jay Gruden said. “But they still have to get cleared and have no symptoms leading into the game.”
If Thompson can’t play, then the Redskins could promote running back Mack Brown off the practice squad. Regardless, they’ll use rookie Matt Jones more in a third-down role and might use Darrel Young in that spot at times as well.
Gruden said losing Thompson hurts because of mismatches he creates against linebackers.
“It’s an unfortunate situation, but we’ll just have to make do,” Gruden said.
Here’s a look at the Redskins’ injury list:
Culliver: Out.
Lichtensteiger: Out because of a pinched nerve in his neck. They’re aiming for the New England game, but while they hope that happens, it’s not yet a guarantee.
Thompson: Doubtful with a back injury. There’s still some swelling, but Thompson said it feels much better than it did Tuesday. He would need to make considerable improvement between now and Sunday to play. Hence, doubtful.
Jackson: Out with a hamstring injury. His fate was sealed when he tweaked it in practice last week. If he did that going less than full speed, what would happen if he tried to go 100 percent?
DE Stephen Paea: Questionable with a back injury.
DE Jason Hatcher: Questionable because of a sore knee. He was limited in practice.
LB Keenan Robinson: Questionable with a heel injury, but it’s tough to see him not playing.