Redskins TE Jordan Reed downgraded to out for 2019 debut

The Redskins have officially downgraded tight end Jordan Reed’s status to out for Sunday’s 2019 season debut against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Washington Redskins will be without one of their most dynamic offensive weapons on Sunday against their division rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles. It was assumed that Reed’s status was in doubt when the Redskins elevated J.P. Holtz from the practice squad earlier today. Now, it’s been confirmed that Jordan Reed is out for the team’s Week 1 contest. The Redskins official Twitter account broke the news.

Reed had a healthy offseason, and in training camp, he was one of the standouts. Reports said he looked to be more than ready for contact. Unfortunately for the rejuvenated Reed, his luck would run out in Week 3 of preseason, against the Atlanta Falcons, when Reed suffered a concussion after colliding head-to-head with Falcons safety Keanu Neal.

Reed was taken out of the game, and afterward, it was revealed that the one-time Pro Bowl tight end had been placed in the NFL’s concussion protocol. Although Jay Gruden expressed some optimism regarding Reed’s eventual Week 1 health in a press conference just one week ago, reports were less positive in recent days, and it soon became clear that Reed was likely to sit out.

With Reed now confirmed out, the Redskins will roll with Vernon Davis, Jeremy Sprinkle, and newly-added J.P. Holtz at tight end against the Eagles. All three will be active, and the 35-year old Davis will get the start. Davis still brought some explosiveness to Washington’s offense last year, but as he gets older, that kind of utility becomes less and less of a guarantee.

For an offense starving for any kind of dynamic ability, the absence of Reed will hurt, even more so with a new quarterback and a tough Eagles defense on the way. Given Reed’s questionable status for most of the week, he should have a better chance of playing in Week 2 against the Cowboys.