Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed is a talented football player. He's 6-foot-3 and 237 pounds and possesses unique speed and athleticism. He's got good hands and can make tough catches in traffic.
So why isn't he mentioned in the same breath as the Jimmy Grahams and Rob Gronkowskis of the world?
Reed has struggled with injuries in each of his first two seasons in the NFL. A former third-round pick, he's been limited to just 20 games because of knee and hamstring ailments. But those 20 games have been impressive.
In nine outings as a rookie, Reed hauled in 45 receptions for 499 yards and three touchdowns. In 11 games last year he caught 50 balls for 465 yards. Extrapolate those numbers to a full uninterrupted 16 game season and you get 76 catches for 771 yards. The skillset is there as are the physical gifts. But his injury history looms large over any hope coaches may have for him.
Reed underwent a procedure on his left knee earlier this spring and has since been forced to focus on his rehab instead of practicing with the first-team offense. Washington believes he'll be ready for the start of training camp (July 29) but it's not a guarantee. Even if he does return, there's no telling how long he can play before another issue pops up.
Realizing this, the Redskins re-signed backup TE Niles Paul to a three-year deal worth $6 million this offseason. Paul filled in well for Reed in 2014, catching a career-high 39 passes for 507 yards and a touchdown. He has assumed first-team reps this offseason with Reed on the sideline. But he isn't the same type of natural athlete and pass-catcher that Reed can be when healthy.
The Redskins routinely came up short on third downs last year, an area where a 100 percent Reed can help. He can be a reliable and dangerous option for quarterback Robert Griffin III (who also could use a productive season). Will he be able to deliver? Can he live up to his immense potential?
The Redskins certainly hope so, but the injury history says otherwise.
