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3 Redskins who will be X-factors if they avoid injuries

By Jacob Camenker

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 23: Jordan Reed #86 of the Washington Redskins catches a touchdown against Patrick Robinson #21 of the Philadelphia Eagles during their game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 23: Jordan Reed #86 of the Washington Redskins catches a touchdown against Patrick Robinson #21 of the Philadelphia Eagles during their game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 23: Jordan Reed #86 of the Washington Redskins scores a touchdown that is called back during the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 23: Jordan Reed #86 of the Washington Redskins scores a touchdown that is called back during the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

1. TE Jordan Reed

This is the obvious injury concern every season for the Redskins. Jordan Reed has never played a full season during his entire NFL career. His healthiest season came in 2015, when he was able to suit up for 14 games and put up career highs in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns.

However, since that time, Reed has struggled to get on the field and stay on the field. In the past two seasons, Reed has been active for 18 of a possible 32 games, and he has only made 13 starts. At times, he was just dressed to serve as a decoy, as he dealt with various injuries related to his shoulder, head, and legs.

The 2017 season was a particularly maddening one for Reed’s camp and Redskins fans. Reed had suffered a toe injury in the preseason and just a few games into the season, he suffered a hamstring injury. At the time , Reed was limited by the injury and was held out a couple of weeks as a precaution. Then, a couple of weeks turned into a month. Then two months. And then, the Injured Reserve came and it ended Reed’s season. His 27 catches for 211 yards were both career lows.

For 2018, Reed is entering a make-or-break season. The Redskins haven’t yet added true competition for him, but they have solid depth behind him. Vernon Davis and Jeremy Sprinkle could hold the fort if Reed gets hurt again. But if that does happen, the Redskins may have to try and part with Reed and target a replacement in free agency or via the 2019 NFL Draft.

Next: 5 reasons the Redskins might not succeed

Reed needs to do everything he can to stay healthy this year. At the very least, he needs to be able to stay on the field for 12 or more games in order to develop a rapport with Alex Smith and prove that he is a worthy investment for the team. If not, he could become a cap casualty during the offseason.

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