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Washington Football Team: Examining 3 players returning from injury in 2021

By Russell Shavatt

Sep 13, 2020; Landover, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) scrambles from Washington Football Team defensive tackle Matt Ioannidis (98) in the fourth quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2020; Landover, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) scrambles from Washington Football Team defensive tackle Matt Ioannidis (98) in the fourth quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 17: Kelvin Harmon #13 of the Washington Redskins looks on during the first half against the New York Jets at FedExField on November 17, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 17: Kelvin Harmon #13 of the Washington Redskins looks on during the first half against the New York Jets at FedExField on November 17, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

WR Kelvin Harmon

2020 stats: 0 games played

Kelvin Harmon, drafted out of NC State in the 2019 NFL Draft, was expected to take another step towards being a contributing wide receiver heading into the 2020 season.

Unfortunately for Harmon, the expected progression took an immediate hit due to a devastating knee injury suffered during offseason training. The injury required surgery and caused the young receiver to miss the entire year.

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Fortunately, throughout the previous year, receivers like Terry McLaurin, Cam Sims, and tight end Logan Thomas were able to help the Washington Football Team get by from the standpoint of targets and receptions. However, the wide receiver unit was thin and lacking outside of McLaurin.

Harmon was not guaranteed an active roster spot, or playing time for that matter, last season. But, like with the emergence of Cam Sims, Harmon would have had his shot to show the coaching staff what he could bring to the offense.

Known for his size, 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, the former sixth-round pick could have been an asset in the run game and in the red zone. Harmon’s best attribute before being selected to Washington was his physicality, along with his ability to track the ball and catching contested passes.

The word “potential” is tricky at the professional level across all sports, but Harmon could have unlocked his potential considering the lack of depth at his position in ‘20.

The situation for Harmon and Washington in 2021 is completely different than it was in the previous year. Harmon is obviously coming off a major injury, but Washington has added more depth at the receiver position.

Terry McLaurin, Cam Sims, Steven Sims Jr, Isaiah Wright, and Antonio Gandy-Golden are returning players for Washington. Other notable players added in free agency were vets Curtis Samuel and Adam Humphries. Dyami Brown and Dax Milne were drafted. One could imagine what players will be locked in at the position, but Harmon will undoubtedly have a fight on his hands.

As Washington gets closer to training camp and into Week 1 against the Los Angeles Chargers, injuries will happen. If Kelvin Harmon can stay healthy, he may get the chance to re-establish his standing with the club.

Not being drafted by Rivera will hurt his chances, but Harmon is the type of player who is willing to do what is necessary in order to win.

If Kelvin Harmon is able to show out and win a spot on the active roster, don’t expect 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns. He might be the type of player who catches a contested ball in a late division game when the top guys are blanketed.

He also might be the guy who shows up on tape making a key block in order to spring a back, or another receiver who turns a 10-yard gain into a 65-yard touchdown.

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