Redskins elevate TE J.P. Holtz to active roster, release Robert Davis

With tight end Jordan Reed’s status uncertain for Sunday, the Redskins have made a move to compensate for his potential absence.

In Week 3 of preseason, against the Atlanta Falcons, Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed suffered an apparent concussion on a hit from Falcons safety Keanu Neal. For two weeks, Reed has been recovering, and at first, Jay Gruden was optimistic about the tight end’s status for Week 1. Now, however, the Redskins have conceded that he may not be ready after all.

Reed’s absence not only deprives the Redskins offense of needed dynamic ability, but because the Redskins only kept three tight ends, their only active tight ends, in a situation without Reed, would be Vernon Davis and Jeremy Sprinkle. Thus, in the wake of Reed’s doubtful status, Washington made a roster move.

With one day to go before Washington’s season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Redskins promoted tight end J.P. Holtz, per D.C. Sports reporter Ben Standig. In a corresponding move, the Redskins released wide receiver Robert Davis to make space, although according to Standig, the hope is that Davis’ separation from the team is only temporary, so that they can bring him back once tight end depth isn’t a concern.

With Holtz being promoted to the roster, indications are pointing toward Reed being inactive on Sunday. Reports suggested that he was nearing the end phase of the concussion protocol, but at this point, he’d be rushed back if he played. For Reed, who has never played a full season in Washington and has a long history of concussions, playing it safe is the best option. Holtz’s promotion also opens up a practice squad spot, although the team may keep it open to maintain flexibility.

For Holtz, his promotion is a valuable opportunity, as he’ll likely be active for the team’s season debut. Holtz has been in the NFL since 2016, when he went undrafted out of the University of Pittsburgh, and while he’s spent time with the Browns and the Redskins, he’s never logged a regular season snap.

There’s still a chance that Reed plays, if he progresses better than expected over the next twenty-four hours. But Holtz’s promotion shows that there’s a strong chance one of Washington’s most dynamic players is unavailable. For the team’s already slim chances at winning, that does not bode well.