Despite head coach Jay Gruden's reticence to declare him out this weekend, it seems Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson may actually be facing an absence that extends far beyond the next few days. As the Redskins ready to square off against NFC East rivals the Philadelphia Eagles this weekend, Jackson's status has taken on a certain significance, due to the fact that he was drafted by and spent the first six seasons of his career with, the Eagles. Unfortunately, Skins fans hopeful of seeing Jackson tear up his former team and Eagles fans hoping to see their one-time star lit up by their secondary are likely to be disappointed as, according to a report from ESPN's Britt McHenry, Jackson is a no-go for this weekend.
And perhaps more importantly, per McHenry, Jackson won't be able to suit up for quite some time, as a team source has indicated to her that the diminutive wideout is "not even close" to being ready for a return.
Jackson has been dealing with a strained left hamstring he sustained during Washington's season-opener on Sept. 13. As evidenced by Jackson's former Philly teammate LeSean McCoy and recent Eagle addition, running back DeMarco Murray, hamstring strains can be a tricky injury that requires ample rest to fully heal.
If a player attempts to return too quickly, the injury will flare up again and continue to dog the player throughout the season. As a guy who thrives on quickness and his ability to make speedy cuts in and out of breaks and blow by corners down the field, a wonky hamstring is the kind of injury that could certainly derail Jackson's season before it ever really gets off the ground.
