Washington Football Team places Collins on IR, elevates Jeremy Reaves

In light of a season-ending injury at safety, the Washington Football Team has shuffled around its roster.

Washington Football Team strong safety Landon Collins redeemed his poor play in 2020 with an early forced fumble in the game against the Cowboys. That forced fumble would promptly lead to a safety, and that safety would be the jolt that kickstarted a 25-3 thrashing of Washington’s bitter rival.

There was almost nothing bad to say about this game, except for one thing: Landon Collins suffered an Achilles injury not long after his momentum-shifting play, and it has been confirmed that Collins’ Achilles injury will be season-ending.

Consequently, Collins has been placed on injured reserve by the Washington Football Team, and in a corresponding move, fellow safety Jeremy Reaves has been elevated from the practice squad, and onto the active roster. Washington’s official Twitter account confirmed the news.

Collins had drawn ire so far in 2020 for his inconsistent tackling, but the veteran provided a definite presence on the back end, particularly when roaming up into the box. In seven games, Collins logged 41 tackles, three tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, a forced fumble, an interception, and a pass deflection.

The elevation of Reaves will fill out the unit’s depth in Collins’ absence. Reaves, 24, joined the team as an undrafted free agent in 2018, and although he has below-average athletic tools for the position, his toughness and instincts have afforded him an extended stay in the roster system. Last season, Reaves started three games, logging 15 total tackles and a pass deflection, and he allowed 58 yards and a touchdown on five targets.

If the position group stays relatively healthy from here on out, Reaves shouldn’t see the field much, save for special teams snaps. The player who will likely start in Collins’ place is seventh-round rookie Kamren Curl. Curl has performed well thus far in a hybrid role, taking snaps both in the slot and at strong safety. He has better athletic tools than Reaves, and Ron Rivera has been impressed with Curl’s tenacity and versatility.

In the short-term, Collins’ injury will give Washington a chance to get an extended look at Curl and see if he could be a legitimate defensive contributor in the future. Meanwhile, Collins will look to rehabilitate and ready himself for the 2021 season. Washington will want its team captain back on the field when the time comes.