Team Notes week 13 2016

By Bob Harris
Bob Harris<

NEWS, NOTES, RUMORS AND OTHER GOOD STUFF

Directly from the desk of FlashUpdate Editor Bob Harris. The good; the bad; and yes. ... Even the Bears. There is no better way to jump start your weekend than browsing these always educational -- often irreverent -- team-by-team, Fantasy-specific offerings. ...
Access specific teams by clicking on a team name in the schedule appearing directly to your left or by clicking on a helmet below; return to the helmets by hitting the link labeled "Menu" following each teams notes. ...

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Arizona Cardinals

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 30 November 2016

Tight end Jordan Reed estimated he has only 30 percent range of motion in his sprained left shoulder but hasn't ruled out playing Sunday at the Cardinals.

Reed didn't practice Monday with what he said was a Grade 3 sprain of the AC joint in his left shoulder. That means he tore two ligaments in that shoulder during a 31-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, though he returned and played through pain.

After struggling to put a basketball jersey on over his head, the Redskins' top offensive target said he was having discomfort that was making daily tasks and sleeping difficult. The 26-year-old decided against putting his shoulder in a sling because he's trying to keep it strong and moving in the hopes of getting back on the field when the Redskins (6-4-1) visit Arizona.

"If I go out there I've just got to make sure it's ready to go," Reed said. "They're not going to try to put me out there unless I've got strength in my arm and I can move it and things like that. If I'm able to do that I'm going to play, if not then I can't play."

As Washington Post staffer Liz Clarke noted, the 6-2, 246-pound Reed is a crucial element of the Redskins' passing game, which is the strength of the team as it battles for a spot in the playoffs. Reed has caught a team-high 59 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns.

He is also among the more determined competitors and returned to the field last Thursday afternoon, to the surprise of Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins, and caught two of the Redskins' three fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Despite missing a portion of the second quarter, Reed finished with a game-high 10 receptions (on 12 targets) for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

In that game, Reed was reduced to being only a receiver because his shoulder wasn't strong enough to block. That could be the case against the Cardinals (6-4-1), too, even if Reed can withstand the pain of lifting his arm to make catches.

Reed said rest, not surgery, was the only option and doesn't think playing through the injury will make it worse.

"I don't think it could be hurt any more worse than it is right now," Reed said. "It's just one of those things where I might have to go through the pain for a little bit."

Receiver DeSean Jackson understands. Having previously dealt with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, Jackson called it "a pain in the butt" and a tough injury that can have significant effects.

"It's just different movements, raising or reaching for the ball or trying to block," Jackson said. "It's just all types of different areas or angles that you move your shoulder that is going to affect you with that type of injury."

Jackson is dealing with a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder, which he tweaked while running a route at practice Monday. He missed the Redskins' Nov. 13 game versus Minnesota with the injury but has resigned himself to gutting it out until the season is over.

He'll continue to rest it and get treatment as needed.

"It's something that I've got to deal with throughout the rest of the season," Jackson said. "It's an injury that's really not going to get better while I'm playing. It'll be all right."

For what it's worth, Reed now has 2,546 receiving yards. He ranks fourth all-time in receiving yards among Redskins tight ends in just his fourth season. Jackson caught a 67-yard touchdown against Dallas. It was the 21st of his career of 60 yards or more. That ranks second in NFL history. Only four players in league history have caught more 50-yard touchdown passes than Jackson (25). ...

Otherwise, two starters on the offensive line also suffered injuries. Right guard Brandon Scherff sprained an ankle but returned to finish the game, as did left guard Shawn Lauvao, who sprained a wrist. Right tackle Morgan Moses has been playing on a sprained ankle for the last three weeks.

I'll continue to follow up on Reed, who was not practicing Wednesday, and Jackson in coming days; watch the Late-Breaking Update section for more. ...

Meanwhile, the Redskins are all but finished in the NFC title chase. The Cowboys (10-1) have run away with that one. But things continued to break well for Washington in the race to secure one of the two NFC wild-card spots. The Redskins watched Detroit (7-4) -- a team it lost to in October -- take control of the NFC North on Thursday with a win over Minnesota (6-5) -- a team it beat earlier in November.

Entering Sunday's game at Arizona, Washington will be in full control of its own destiny with five games left.

The Redskins still play the current No. 5 seed New York Giants (7-3), No. 9 Philadelphia (5-5), No. 10 Arizona (4-5-1) and No. 12 Carolina (4-6) and at worst will have a half-game lead for the No. 6 and final playoff spot.

But they have some issues.

As the Sports Xchange notes, the Redskins' prolific offense continues to leave points on the board thanks to a red-zone percentage that ranks 28th in the NFL. Washington converted just two of five chances in the loss to Dallas and kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two more field-goal attempts (55, 43).

It will continue to haunt them against the better teams on the schedule.

Washington even turned to a wildcat play with running back Robert Kelley in the second quarter that failed. That direct snap wasn't something it had tried at all this season. The Redskins had drives stall at the 25 (missed field goal), the six (field goal), the 38 (missed field goal) and the two (field goal). Grand total: Six points.

"It's something that is a glaring weakness of this football team right now offensively. ... But maybe the only weakness that we have," Gruden said. "Pass protection has been outstanding. The completion percentage is outstanding. The lack of interceptions and turnovers has been outstanding. We just have struggled in the red zone for whatever reason and defenses have a lot to do with that, execution and play-calling. That's what it is. ..."

Other notes of interest. ... After a total of 321 rushing yards in his first three NFL starts, Kelley managed just 37 against a Cowboys front that did a lot of stunting and shifting. Chris Thompson added just 17 yards on four carries and there were more tackles in the backfield than usual. It didn't help that Washington was chasing the game almost from the start after falling behind 7-0 on the opening drive.

And finally. ... Cousins was just the fifth quarterback this season to have over 400 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a game.


DEPTH CHART
QBs: Kyler Murray, Clayton Tune
RBs: James Conner, Michael Carter, Emari Demercado
WRs: Marquise Brown, Michael Wilson, Rondale Moore, Greg Dortch, Zach Pascal
TEs: Trey McBride, Geoff Swaim

Atlanta Falcons

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 30 November 2016

Tight end Jordan Reed estimated he has only 30 percent range of motion in his sprained left shoulder but hasn't ruled out playing Sunday at the Cardinals.

Reed didn't practice Monday with what he said was a Grade 3 sprain of the AC joint in his left shoulder. That means he tore two ligaments in that shoulder during a 31-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, though he returned and played through pain.

After struggling to put a basketball jersey on over his head, the Redskins' top offensive target said he was having discomfort that was making daily tasks and sleeping difficult. The 26-year-old decided against putting his shoulder in a sling because he's trying to keep it strong and moving in the hopes of getting back on the field when the Redskins (6-4-1) visit Arizona.

"If I go out there I've just got to make sure it's ready to go," Reed said. "They're not going to try to put me out there unless I've got strength in my arm and I can move it and things like that. If I'm able to do that I'm going to play, if not then I can't play."

As Washington Post staffer Liz Clarke noted, the 6-2, 246-pound Reed is a crucial element of the Redskins' passing game, which is the strength of the team as it battles for a spot in the playoffs. Reed has caught a team-high 59 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns.

He is also among the more determined competitors and returned to the field last Thursday afternoon, to the surprise of Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins, and caught two of the Redskins' three fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Despite missing a portion of the second quarter, Reed finished with a game-high 10 receptions (on 12 targets) for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

In that game, Reed was reduced to being only a receiver because his shoulder wasn't strong enough to block. That could be the case against the Cardinals (6-4-1), too, even if Reed can withstand the pain of lifting his arm to make catches.

Reed said rest, not surgery, was the only option and doesn't think playing through the injury will make it worse.

"I don't think it could be hurt any more worse than it is right now," Reed said. "It's just one of those things where I might have to go through the pain for a little bit."

Receiver DeSean Jackson understands. Having previously dealt with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, Jackson called it "a pain in the butt" and a tough injury that can have significant effects.

"It's just different movements, raising or reaching for the ball or trying to block," Jackson said. "It's just all types of different areas or angles that you move your shoulder that is going to affect you with that type of injury."

Jackson is dealing with a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder, which he tweaked while running a route at practice Monday. He missed the Redskins' Nov. 13 game versus Minnesota with the injury but has resigned himself to gutting it out until the season is over.

He'll continue to rest it and get treatment as needed.

"It's something that I've got to deal with throughout the rest of the season," Jackson said. "It's an injury that's really not going to get better while I'm playing. It'll be all right."

For what it's worth, Reed now has 2,546 receiving yards. He ranks fourth all-time in receiving yards among Redskins tight ends in just his fourth season. Jackson caught a 67-yard touchdown against Dallas. It was the 21st of his career of 60 yards or more. That ranks second in NFL history. Only four players in league history have caught more 50-yard touchdown passes than Jackson (25). ...

Otherwise, two starters on the offensive line also suffered injuries. Right guard Brandon Scherff sprained an ankle but returned to finish the game, as did left guard Shawn Lauvao, who sprained a wrist. Right tackle Morgan Moses has been playing on a sprained ankle for the last three weeks.

I'll continue to follow up on Reed, who was not practicing Wednesday, and Jackson in coming days; watch the Late-Breaking Update section for more. ...

Meanwhile, the Redskins are all but finished in the NFC title chase. The Cowboys (10-1) have run away with that one. But things continued to break well for Washington in the race to secure one of the two NFC wild-card spots. The Redskins watched Detroit (7-4) -- a team it lost to in October -- take control of the NFC North on Thursday with a win over Minnesota (6-5) -- a team it beat earlier in November.

Entering Sunday's game at Arizona, Washington will be in full control of its own destiny with five games left.

The Redskins still play the current No. 5 seed New York Giants (7-3), No. 9 Philadelphia (5-5), No. 10 Arizona (4-5-1) and No. 12 Carolina (4-6) and at worst will have a half-game lead for the No. 6 and final playoff spot.

But they have some issues.

As the Sports Xchange notes, the Redskins' prolific offense continues to leave points on the board thanks to a red-zone percentage that ranks 28th in the NFL. Washington converted just two of five chances in the loss to Dallas and kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two more field-goal attempts (55, 43).

It will continue to haunt them against the better teams on the schedule.

Washington even turned to a wildcat play with running back Robert Kelley in the second quarter that failed. That direct snap wasn't something it had tried at all this season. The Redskins had drives stall at the 25 (missed field goal), the six (field goal), the 38 (missed field goal) and the two (field goal). Grand total: Six points.

"It's something that is a glaring weakness of this football team right now offensively. ... But maybe the only weakness that we have," Gruden said. "Pass protection has been outstanding. The completion percentage is outstanding. The lack of interceptions and turnovers has been outstanding. We just have struggled in the red zone for whatever reason and defenses have a lot to do with that, execution and play-calling. That's what it is. ..."

Other notes of interest. ... After a total of 321 rushing yards in his first three NFL starts, Kelley managed just 37 against a Cowboys front that did a lot of stunting and shifting. Chris Thompson added just 17 yards on four carries and there were more tackles in the backfield than usual. It didn't help that Washington was chasing the game almost from the start after falling behind 7-0 on the opening drive.

And finally. ... Cousins was just the fifth quarterback this season to have over 400 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a game.


DEPTH CHART
QBs: Taylor Heinicke, Desmond Ridder, Logan Woodside
RBs: Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, Cordarrelle Patterson
WRs: Drake London, Mack Hollins, KhaDarel Hodge, Van Jefferson, Scott Miller, Jared Bernhardt, Josh Ali
TEs: Kyle Pitts, Jonnu Smith, MyCole Pruitt, John FitzPatrick

Baltimore Ravens

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 30 November 2016

Tight end Jordan Reed estimated he has only 30 percent range of motion in his sprained left shoulder but hasn't ruled out playing Sunday at the Cardinals.

Reed didn't practice Monday with what he said was a Grade 3 sprain of the AC joint in his left shoulder. That means he tore two ligaments in that shoulder during a 31-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, though he returned and played through pain.

After struggling to put a basketball jersey on over his head, the Redskins' top offensive target said he was having discomfort that was making daily tasks and sleeping difficult. The 26-year-old decided against putting his shoulder in a sling because he's trying to keep it strong and moving in the hopes of getting back on the field when the Redskins (6-4-1) visit Arizona.

"If I go out there I've just got to make sure it's ready to go," Reed said. "They're not going to try to put me out there unless I've got strength in my arm and I can move it and things like that. If I'm able to do that I'm going to play, if not then I can't play."

As Washington Post staffer Liz Clarke noted, the 6-2, 246-pound Reed is a crucial element of the Redskins' passing game, which is the strength of the team as it battles for a spot in the playoffs. Reed has caught a team-high 59 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns.

He is also among the more determined competitors and returned to the field last Thursday afternoon, to the surprise of Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins, and caught two of the Redskins' three fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Despite missing a portion of the second quarter, Reed finished with a game-high 10 receptions (on 12 targets) for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

In that game, Reed was reduced to being only a receiver because his shoulder wasn't strong enough to block. That could be the case against the Cardinals (6-4-1), too, even if Reed can withstand the pain of lifting his arm to make catches.

Reed said rest, not surgery, was the only option and doesn't think playing through the injury will make it worse.

"I don't think it could be hurt any more worse than it is right now," Reed said. "It's just one of those things where I might have to go through the pain for a little bit."

Receiver DeSean Jackson understands. Having previously dealt with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, Jackson called it "a pain in the butt" and a tough injury that can have significant effects.

"It's just different movements, raising or reaching for the ball or trying to block," Jackson said. "It's just all types of different areas or angles that you move your shoulder that is going to affect you with that type of injury."

Jackson is dealing with a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder, which he tweaked while running a route at practice Monday. He missed the Redskins' Nov. 13 game versus Minnesota with the injury but has resigned himself to gutting it out until the season is over.

He'll continue to rest it and get treatment as needed.

"It's something that I've got to deal with throughout the rest of the season," Jackson said. "It's an injury that's really not going to get better while I'm playing. It'll be all right."

For what it's worth, Reed now has 2,546 receiving yards. He ranks fourth all-time in receiving yards among Redskins tight ends in just his fourth season. Jackson caught a 67-yard touchdown against Dallas. It was the 21st of his career of 60 yards or more. That ranks second in NFL history. Only four players in league history have caught more 50-yard touchdown passes than Jackson (25). ...

Otherwise, two starters on the offensive line also suffered injuries. Right guard Brandon Scherff sprained an ankle but returned to finish the game, as did left guard Shawn Lauvao, who sprained a wrist. Right tackle Morgan Moses has been playing on a sprained ankle for the last three weeks.

I'll continue to follow up on Reed, who was not practicing Wednesday, and Jackson in coming days; watch the Late-Breaking Update section for more. ...

Meanwhile, the Redskins are all but finished in the NFC title chase. The Cowboys (10-1) have run away with that one. But things continued to break well for Washington in the race to secure one of the two NFC wild-card spots. The Redskins watched Detroit (7-4) -- a team it lost to in October -- take control of the NFC North on Thursday with a win over Minnesota (6-5) -- a team it beat earlier in November.

Entering Sunday's game at Arizona, Washington will be in full control of its own destiny with five games left.

The Redskins still play the current No. 5 seed New York Giants (7-3), No. 9 Philadelphia (5-5), No. 10 Arizona (4-5-1) and No. 12 Carolina (4-6) and at worst will have a half-game lead for the No. 6 and final playoff spot.

But they have some issues.

As the Sports Xchange notes, the Redskins' prolific offense continues to leave points on the board thanks to a red-zone percentage that ranks 28th in the NFL. Washington converted just two of five chances in the loss to Dallas and kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two more field-goal attempts (55, 43).

It will continue to haunt them against the better teams on the schedule.

Washington even turned to a wildcat play with running back Robert Kelley in the second quarter that failed. That direct snap wasn't something it had tried at all this season. The Redskins had drives stall at the 25 (missed field goal), the six (field goal), the 38 (missed field goal) and the two (field goal). Grand total: Six points.

"It's something that is a glaring weakness of this football team right now offensively. ... But maybe the only weakness that we have," Gruden said. "Pass protection has been outstanding. The completion percentage is outstanding. The lack of interceptions and turnovers has been outstanding. We just have struggled in the red zone for whatever reason and defenses have a lot to do with that, execution and play-calling. That's what it is. ..."

Other notes of interest. ... After a total of 321 rushing yards in his first three NFL starts, Kelley managed just 37 against a Cowboys front that did a lot of stunting and shifting. Chris Thompson added just 17 yards on four carries and there were more tackles in the backfield than usual. It didn't help that Washington was chasing the game almost from the start after falling behind 7-0 on the opening drive.

And finally. ... Cousins was just the fifth quarterback this season to have over 400 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a game.


DEPTH CHART
QBs: Lamar Jackson, Tyler Huntley, Josh Johnson
RBs: Gus Edwards, Justice Hill, Melvin Gordon, J.K. Dobbins, Keaton Mitchell
WRs: Zay Flowers, Odell Beckham, Rashod Bateman, Nelson Agholor, Tylan Wallace
TEs: Isaiah Likely, Charlie Kolar, Mark Andrews

Buffalo Bills

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 30 November 2016

Tight end Jordan Reed estimated he has only 30 percent range of motion in his sprained left shoulder but hasn't ruled out playing Sunday at the Cardinals.

Reed didn't practice Monday with what he said was a Grade 3 sprain of the AC joint in his left shoulder. That means he tore two ligaments in that shoulder during a 31-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, though he returned and played through pain.

After struggling to put a basketball jersey on over his head, the Redskins' top offensive target said he was having discomfort that was making daily tasks and sleeping difficult. The 26-year-old decided against putting his shoulder in a sling because he's trying to keep it strong and moving in the hopes of getting back on the field when the Redskins (6-4-1) visit Arizona.

"If I go out there I've just got to make sure it's ready to go," Reed said. "They're not going to try to put me out there unless I've got strength in my arm and I can move it and things like that. If I'm able to do that I'm going to play, if not then I can't play."

As Washington Post staffer Liz Clarke noted, the 6-2, 246-pound Reed is a crucial element of the Redskins' passing game, which is the strength of the team as it battles for a spot in the playoffs. Reed has caught a team-high 59 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns.

He is also among the more determined competitors and returned to the field last Thursday afternoon, to the surprise of Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins, and caught two of the Redskins' three fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Despite missing a portion of the second quarter, Reed finished with a game-high 10 receptions (on 12 targets) for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

In that game, Reed was reduced to being only a receiver because his shoulder wasn't strong enough to block. That could be the case against the Cardinals (6-4-1), too, even if Reed can withstand the pain of lifting his arm to make catches.

Reed said rest, not surgery, was the only option and doesn't think playing through the injury will make it worse.

"I don't think it could be hurt any more worse than it is right now," Reed said. "It's just one of those things where I might have to go through the pain for a little bit."

Receiver DeSean Jackson understands. Having previously dealt with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, Jackson called it "a pain in the butt" and a tough injury that can have significant effects.

"It's just different movements, raising or reaching for the ball or trying to block," Jackson said. "It's just all types of different areas or angles that you move your shoulder that is going to affect you with that type of injury."

Jackson is dealing with a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder, which he tweaked while running a route at practice Monday. He missed the Redskins' Nov. 13 game versus Minnesota with the injury but has resigned himself to gutting it out until the season is over.

He'll continue to rest it and get treatment as needed.

"It's something that I've got to deal with throughout the rest of the season," Jackson said. "It's an injury that's really not going to get better while I'm playing. It'll be all right."

For what it's worth, Reed now has 2,546 receiving yards. He ranks fourth all-time in receiving yards among Redskins tight ends in just his fourth season. Jackson caught a 67-yard touchdown against Dallas. It was the 21st of his career of 60 yards or more. That ranks second in NFL history. Only four players in league history have caught more 50-yard touchdown passes than Jackson (25). ...

Otherwise, two starters on the offensive line also suffered injuries. Right guard Brandon Scherff sprained an ankle but returned to finish the game, as did left guard Shawn Lauvao, who sprained a wrist. Right tackle Morgan Moses has been playing on a sprained ankle for the last three weeks.

I'll continue to follow up on Reed, who was not practicing Wednesday, and Jackson in coming days; watch the Late-Breaking Update section for more. ...

Meanwhile, the Redskins are all but finished in the NFC title chase. The Cowboys (10-1) have run away with that one. But things continued to break well for Washington in the race to secure one of the two NFC wild-card spots. The Redskins watched Detroit (7-4) -- a team it lost to in October -- take control of the NFC North on Thursday with a win over Minnesota (6-5) -- a team it beat earlier in November.

Entering Sunday's game at Arizona, Washington will be in full control of its own destiny with five games left.

The Redskins still play the current No. 5 seed New York Giants (7-3), No. 9 Philadelphia (5-5), No. 10 Arizona (4-5-1) and No. 12 Carolina (4-6) and at worst will have a half-game lead for the No. 6 and final playoff spot.

But they have some issues.

As the Sports Xchange notes, the Redskins' prolific offense continues to leave points on the board thanks to a red-zone percentage that ranks 28th in the NFL. Washington converted just two of five chances in the loss to Dallas and kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two more field-goal attempts (55, 43).

It will continue to haunt them against the better teams on the schedule.

Washington even turned to a wildcat play with running back Robert Kelley in the second quarter that failed. That direct snap wasn't something it had tried at all this season. The Redskins had drives stall at the 25 (missed field goal), the six (field goal), the 38 (missed field goal) and the two (field goal). Grand total: Six points.

"It's something that is a glaring weakness of this football team right now offensively. ... But maybe the only weakness that we have," Gruden said. "Pass protection has been outstanding. The completion percentage is outstanding. The lack of interceptions and turnovers has been outstanding. We just have struggled in the red zone for whatever reason and defenses have a lot to do with that, execution and play-calling. That's what it is. ..."

Other notes of interest. ... After a total of 321 rushing yards in his first three NFL starts, Kelley managed just 37 against a Cowboys front that did a lot of stunting and shifting. Chris Thompson added just 17 yards on four carries and there were more tackles in the backfield than usual. It didn't help that Washington was chasing the game almost from the start after falling behind 7-0 on the opening drive.

And finally. ... Cousins was just the fifth quarterback this season to have over 400 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a game.


DEPTH CHART
QBs: Josh Allen
RBs: James Cook, Latavius Murray, Ty Johnson
WRs: Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, Khalil Shakir, Trent Sherfield, Deonte Harty
TEs: Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox, Quintin Morris

Carolina Panthers

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 30 November 2016

Tight end Jordan Reed estimated he has only 30 percent range of motion in his sprained left shoulder but hasn't ruled out playing Sunday at the Cardinals.

Reed didn't practice Monday with what he said was a Grade 3 sprain of the AC joint in his left shoulder. That means he tore two ligaments in that shoulder during a 31-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, though he returned and played through pain.

After struggling to put a basketball jersey on over his head, the Redskins' top offensive target said he was having discomfort that was making daily tasks and sleeping difficult. The 26-year-old decided against putting his shoulder in a sling because he's trying to keep it strong and moving in the hopes of getting back on the field when the Redskins (6-4-1) visit Arizona.

"If I go out there I've just got to make sure it's ready to go," Reed said. "They're not going to try to put me out there unless I've got strength in my arm and I can move it and things like that. If I'm able to do that I'm going to play, if not then I can't play."

As Washington Post staffer Liz Clarke noted, the 6-2, 246-pound Reed is a crucial element of the Redskins' passing game, which is the strength of the team as it battles for a spot in the playoffs. Reed has caught a team-high 59 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns.

He is also among the more determined competitors and returned to the field last Thursday afternoon, to the surprise of Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins, and caught two of the Redskins' three fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Despite missing a portion of the second quarter, Reed finished with a game-high 10 receptions (on 12 targets) for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

In that game, Reed was reduced to being only a receiver because his shoulder wasn't strong enough to block. That could be the case against the Cardinals (6-4-1), too, even if Reed can withstand the pain of lifting his arm to make catches.

Reed said rest, not surgery, was the only option and doesn't think playing through the injury will make it worse.

"I don't think it could be hurt any more worse than it is right now," Reed said. "It's just one of those things where I might have to go through the pain for a little bit."

Receiver DeSean Jackson understands. Having previously dealt with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, Jackson called it "a pain in the butt" and a tough injury that can have significant effects.

"It's just different movements, raising or reaching for the ball or trying to block," Jackson said. "It's just all types of different areas or angles that you move your shoulder that is going to affect you with that type of injury."

Jackson is dealing with a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder, which he tweaked while running a route at practice Monday. He missed the Redskins' Nov. 13 game versus Minnesota with the injury but has resigned himself to gutting it out until the season is over.

He'll continue to rest it and get treatment as needed.

"It's something that I've got to deal with throughout the rest of the season," Jackson said. "It's an injury that's really not going to get better while I'm playing. It'll be all right."

For what it's worth, Reed now has 2,546 receiving yards. He ranks fourth all-time in receiving yards among Redskins tight ends in just his fourth season. Jackson caught a 67-yard touchdown against Dallas. It was the 21st of his career of 60 yards or more. That ranks second in NFL history. Only four players in league history have caught more 50-yard touchdown passes than Jackson (25). ...

Otherwise, two starters on the offensive line also suffered injuries. Right guard Brandon Scherff sprained an ankle but returned to finish the game, as did left guard Shawn Lauvao, who sprained a wrist. Right tackle Morgan Moses has been playing on a sprained ankle for the last three weeks.

I'll continue to follow up on Reed, who was not practicing Wednesday, and Jackson in coming days; watch the Late-Breaking Update section for more. ...

Meanwhile, the Redskins are all but finished in the NFC title chase. The Cowboys (10-1) have run away with that one. But things continued to break well for Washington in the race to secure one of the two NFC wild-card spots. The Redskins watched Detroit (7-4) -- a team it lost to in October -- take control of the NFC North on Thursday with a win over Minnesota (6-5) -- a team it beat earlier in November.

Entering Sunday's game at Arizona, Washington will be in full control of its own destiny with five games left.

The Redskins still play the current No. 5 seed New York Giants (7-3), No. 9 Philadelphia (5-5), No. 10 Arizona (4-5-1) and No. 12 Carolina (4-6) and at worst will have a half-game lead for the No. 6 and final playoff spot.

But they have some issues.

As the Sports Xchange notes, the Redskins' prolific offense continues to leave points on the board thanks to a red-zone percentage that ranks 28th in the NFL. Washington converted just two of five chances in the loss to Dallas and kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two more field-goal attempts (55, 43).

It will continue to haunt them against the better teams on the schedule.

Washington even turned to a wildcat play with running back Robert Kelley in the second quarter that failed. That direct snap wasn't something it had tried at all this season. The Redskins had drives stall at the 25 (missed field goal), the six (field goal), the 38 (missed field goal) and the two (field goal). Grand total: Six points.

"It's something that is a glaring weakness of this football team right now offensively. ... But maybe the only weakness that we have," Gruden said. "Pass protection has been outstanding. The completion percentage is outstanding. The lack of interceptions and turnovers has been outstanding. We just have struggled in the red zone for whatever reason and defenses have a lot to do with that, execution and play-calling. That's what it is. ..."

Other notes of interest. ... After a total of 321 rushing yards in his first three NFL starts, Kelley managed just 37 against a Cowboys front that did a lot of stunting and shifting. Chris Thompson added just 17 yards on four carries and there were more tackles in the backfield than usual. It didn't help that Washington was chasing the game almost from the start after falling behind 7-0 on the opening drive.

And finally. ... Cousins was just the fifth quarterback this season to have over 400 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a game.


DEPTH CHART
QBs: Bryce Young, Andy Dalton
RBs: Chuba Hubbard, Miles Sanders, Raheem Blackshear
WRs: Adam Thielen, Jonathan Mingo, D.J. Chark, Terrace Marshall Jr., Laviska Shenault, Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Mike Strachan
TEs: Tommy Tremble, Stephen Sullivan, Ian Thomas, Hayden Hurst

Chicago Bears

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 30 November 2016

Tight end Jordan Reed estimated he has only 30 percent range of motion in his sprained left shoulder but hasn't ruled out playing Sunday at the Cardinals.

Reed didn't practice Monday with what he said was a Grade 3 sprain of the AC joint in his left shoulder. That means he tore two ligaments in that shoulder during a 31-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, though he returned and played through pain.

After struggling to put a basketball jersey on over his head, the Redskins' top offensive target said he was having discomfort that was making daily tasks and sleeping difficult. The 26-year-old decided against putting his shoulder in a sling because he's trying to keep it strong and moving in the hopes of getting back on the field when the Redskins (6-4-1) visit Arizona.

"If I go out there I've just got to make sure it's ready to go," Reed said. "They're not going to try to put me out there unless I've got strength in my arm and I can move it and things like that. If I'm able to do that I'm going to play, if not then I can't play."

As Washington Post staffer Liz Clarke noted, the 6-2, 246-pound Reed is a crucial element of the Redskins' passing game, which is the strength of the team as it battles for a spot in the playoffs. Reed has caught a team-high 59 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns.

He is also among the more determined competitors and returned to the field last Thursday afternoon, to the surprise of Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins, and caught two of the Redskins' three fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Despite missing a portion of the second quarter, Reed finished with a game-high 10 receptions (on 12 targets) for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

In that game, Reed was reduced to being only a receiver because his shoulder wasn't strong enough to block. That could be the case against the Cardinals (6-4-1), too, even if Reed can withstand the pain of lifting his arm to make catches.

Reed said rest, not surgery, was the only option and doesn't think playing through the injury will make it worse.

"I don't think it could be hurt any more worse than it is right now," Reed said. "It's just one of those things where I might have to go through the pain for a little bit."

Receiver DeSean Jackson understands. Having previously dealt with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, Jackson called it "a pain in the butt" and a tough injury that can have significant effects.

"It's just different movements, raising or reaching for the ball or trying to block," Jackson said. "It's just all types of different areas or angles that you move your shoulder that is going to affect you with that type of injury."

Jackson is dealing with a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder, which he tweaked while running a route at practice Monday. He missed the Redskins' Nov. 13 game versus Minnesota with the injury but has resigned himself to gutting it out until the season is over.

He'll continue to rest it and get treatment as needed.

"It's something that I've got to deal with throughout the rest of the season," Jackson said. "It's an injury that's really not going to get better while I'm playing. It'll be all right."

For what it's worth, Reed now has 2,546 receiving yards. He ranks fourth all-time in receiving yards among Redskins tight ends in just his fourth season. Jackson caught a 67-yard touchdown against Dallas. It was the 21st of his career of 60 yards or more. That ranks second in NFL history. Only four players in league history have caught more 50-yard touchdown passes than Jackson (25). ...

Otherwise, two starters on the offensive line also suffered injuries. Right guard Brandon Scherff sprained an ankle but returned to finish the game, as did left guard Shawn Lauvao, who sprained a wrist. Right tackle Morgan Moses has been playing on a sprained ankle for the last three weeks.

I'll continue to follow up on Reed, who was not practicing Wednesday, and Jackson in coming days; watch the Late-Breaking Update section for more. ...

Meanwhile, the Redskins are all but finished in the NFC title chase. The Cowboys (10-1) have run away with that one. But things continued to break well for Washington in the race to secure one of the two NFC wild-card spots. The Redskins watched Detroit (7-4) -- a team it lost to in October -- take control of the NFC North on Thursday with a win over Minnesota (6-5) -- a team it beat earlier in November.

Entering Sunday's game at Arizona, Washington will be in full control of its own destiny with five games left.

The Redskins still play the current No. 5 seed New York Giants (7-3), No. 9 Philadelphia (5-5), No. 10 Arizona (4-5-1) and No. 12 Carolina (4-6) and at worst will have a half-game lead for the No. 6 and final playoff spot.

But they have some issues.

As the Sports Xchange notes, the Redskins' prolific offense continues to leave points on the board thanks to a red-zone percentage that ranks 28th in the NFL. Washington converted just two of five chances in the loss to Dallas and kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two more field-goal attempts (55, 43).

It will continue to haunt them against the better teams on the schedule.

Washington even turned to a wildcat play with running back Robert Kelley in the second quarter that failed. That direct snap wasn't something it had tried at all this season. The Redskins had drives stall at the 25 (missed field goal), the six (field goal), the 38 (missed field goal) and the two (field goal). Grand total: Six points.

"It's something that is a glaring weakness of this football team right now offensively. ... But maybe the only weakness that we have," Gruden said. "Pass protection has been outstanding. The completion percentage is outstanding. The lack of interceptions and turnovers has been outstanding. We just have struggled in the red zone for whatever reason and defenses have a lot to do with that, execution and play-calling. That's what it is. ..."

Other notes of interest. ... After a total of 321 rushing yards in his first three NFL starts, Kelley managed just 37 against a Cowboys front that did a lot of stunting and shifting. Chris Thompson added just 17 yards on four carries and there were more tackles in the backfield than usual. It didn't help that Washington was chasing the game almost from the start after falling behind 7-0 on the opening drive.

And finally. ... Cousins was just the fifth quarterback this season to have over 400 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a game.


DEPTH CHART
QBs: Justin Fields, Tyson Bagent, Nathan Peterman
RBs: Khalil Herbert, D'Onta Foreman, Roschon Johnson, Travis Homer, Khari Blasingame
WRs: D.J. Moore, Darnell Mooney, Tyler Scott, Velus Jones Jr., Trent Taylor, Equanimeous St. Brown
TEs: Cole Kmet, Robert Tonyan, Marcedes Lewis, Jake Tonges

Cincinnati Bengals

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 30 November 2016

Tight end Jordan Reed estimated he has only 30 percent range of motion in his sprained left shoulder but hasn't ruled out playing Sunday at the Cardinals.

Reed didn't practice Monday with what he said was a Grade 3 sprain of the AC joint in his left shoulder. That means he tore two ligaments in that shoulder during a 31-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, though he returned and played through pain.

After struggling to put a basketball jersey on over his head, the Redskins' top offensive target said he was having discomfort that was making daily tasks and sleeping difficult. The 26-year-old decided against putting his shoulder in a sling because he's trying to keep it strong and moving in the hopes of getting back on the field when the Redskins (6-4-1) visit Arizona.

"If I go out there I've just got to make sure it's ready to go," Reed said. "They're not going to try to put me out there unless I've got strength in my arm and I can move it and things like that. If I'm able to do that I'm going to play, if not then I can't play."

As Washington Post staffer Liz Clarke noted, the 6-2, 246-pound Reed is a crucial element of the Redskins' passing game, which is the strength of the team as it battles for a spot in the playoffs. Reed has caught a team-high 59 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns.

He is also among the more determined competitors and returned to the field last Thursday afternoon, to the surprise of Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins, and caught two of the Redskins' three fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Despite missing a portion of the second quarter, Reed finished with a game-high 10 receptions (on 12 targets) for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

In that game, Reed was reduced to being only a receiver because his shoulder wasn't strong enough to block. That could be the case against the Cardinals (6-4-1), too, even if Reed can withstand the pain of lifting his arm to make catches.

Reed said rest, not surgery, was the only option and doesn't think playing through the injury will make it worse.

"I don't think it could be hurt any more worse than it is right now," Reed said. "It's just one of those things where I might have to go through the pain for a little bit."

Receiver DeSean Jackson understands. Having previously dealt with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, Jackson called it "a pain in the butt" and a tough injury that can have significant effects.

"It's just different movements, raising or reaching for the ball or trying to block," Jackson said. "It's just all types of different areas or angles that you move your shoulder that is going to affect you with that type of injury."

Jackson is dealing with a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder, which he tweaked while running a route at practice Monday. He missed the Redskins' Nov. 13 game versus Minnesota with the injury but has resigned himself to gutting it out until the season is over.

He'll continue to rest it and get treatment as needed.

"It's something that I've got to deal with throughout the rest of the season," Jackson said. "It's an injury that's really not going to get better while I'm playing. It'll be all right."

For what it's worth, Reed now has 2,546 receiving yards. He ranks fourth all-time in receiving yards among Redskins tight ends in just his fourth season. Jackson caught a 67-yard touchdown against Dallas. It was the 21st of his career of 60 yards or more. That ranks second in NFL history. Only four players in league history have caught more 50-yard touchdown passes than Jackson (25). ...

Otherwise, two starters on the offensive line also suffered injuries. Right guard Brandon Scherff sprained an ankle but returned to finish the game, as did left guard Shawn Lauvao, who sprained a wrist. Right tackle Morgan Moses has been playing on a sprained ankle for the last three weeks.

I'll continue to follow up on Reed, who was not practicing Wednesday, and Jackson in coming days; watch the Late-Breaking Update section for more. ...

Meanwhile, the Redskins are all but finished in the NFC title chase. The Cowboys (10-1) have run away with that one. But things continued to break well for Washington in the race to secure one of the two NFC wild-card spots. The Redskins watched Detroit (7-4) -- a team it lost to in October -- take control of the NFC North on Thursday with a win over Minnesota (6-5) -- a team it beat earlier in November.

Entering Sunday's game at Arizona, Washington will be in full control of its own destiny with five games left.

The Redskins still play the current No. 5 seed New York Giants (7-3), No. 9 Philadelphia (5-5), No. 10 Arizona (4-5-1) and No. 12 Carolina (4-6) and at worst will have a half-game lead for the No. 6 and final playoff spot.

But they have some issues.

As the Sports Xchange notes, the Redskins' prolific offense continues to leave points on the board thanks to a red-zone percentage that ranks 28th in the NFL. Washington converted just two of five chances in the loss to Dallas and kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two more field-goal attempts (55, 43).

It will continue to haunt them against the better teams on the schedule.

Washington even turned to a wildcat play with running back Robert Kelley in the second quarter that failed. That direct snap wasn't something it had tried at all this season. The Redskins had drives stall at the 25 (missed field goal), the six (field goal), the 38 (missed field goal) and the two (field goal). Grand total: Six points.

"It's something that is a glaring weakness of this football team right now offensively. ... But maybe the only weakness that we have," Gruden said. "Pass protection has been outstanding. The completion percentage is outstanding. The lack of interceptions and turnovers has been outstanding. We just have struggled in the red zone for whatever reason and defenses have a lot to do with that, execution and play-calling. That's what it is. ..."

Other notes of interest. ... After a total of 321 rushing yards in his first three NFL starts, Kelley managed just 37 against a Cowboys front that did a lot of stunting and shifting. Chris Thompson added just 17 yards on four carries and there were more tackles in the backfield than usual. It didn't help that Washington was chasing the game almost from the start after falling behind 7-0 on the opening drive.

And finally. ... Cousins was just the fifth quarterback this season to have over 400 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a game.


DEPTH CHART
QBs: Jake Browning, Joe Burrow
RBs: Joe Mixon, Chase Brown, Chris Evans, Trayveon Williams
WRs: Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd, Trenton Irwin, Andrei Iosivas, Charlie Jones
TEs: Irv Smith Jr., Tanner Hudson, Drew Sample, Mitchell Wilcox

Cleveland Browns

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 30 November 2016

Tight end Jordan Reed estimated he has only 30 percent range of motion in his sprained left shoulder but hasn't ruled out playing Sunday at the Cardinals.

Reed didn't practice Monday with what he said was a Grade 3 sprain of the AC joint in his left shoulder. That means he tore two ligaments in that shoulder during a 31-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, though he returned and played through pain.

After struggling to put a basketball jersey on over his head, the Redskins' top offensive target said he was having discomfort that was making daily tasks and sleeping difficult. The 26-year-old decided against putting his shoulder in a sling because he's trying to keep it strong and moving in the hopes of getting back on the field when the Redskins (6-4-1) visit Arizona.

"If I go out there I've just got to make sure it's ready to go," Reed said. "They're not going to try to put me out there unless I've got strength in my arm and I can move it and things like that. If I'm able to do that I'm going to play, if not then I can't play."

As Washington Post staffer Liz Clarke noted, the 6-2, 246-pound Reed is a crucial element of the Redskins' passing game, which is the strength of the team as it battles for a spot in the playoffs. Reed has caught a team-high 59 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns.

He is also among the more determined competitors and returned to the field last Thursday afternoon, to the surprise of Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins, and caught two of the Redskins' three fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Despite missing a portion of the second quarter, Reed finished with a game-high 10 receptions (on 12 targets) for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

In that game, Reed was reduced to being only a receiver because his shoulder wasn't strong enough to block. That could be the case against the Cardinals (6-4-1), too, even if Reed can withstand the pain of lifting his arm to make catches.

Reed said rest, not surgery, was the only option and doesn't think playing through the injury will make it worse.

"I don't think it could be hurt any more worse than it is right now," Reed said. "It's just one of those things where I might have to go through the pain for a little bit."

Receiver DeSean Jackson understands. Having previously dealt with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, Jackson called it "a pain in the butt" and a tough injury that can have significant effects.

"It's just different movements, raising or reaching for the ball or trying to block," Jackson said. "It's just all types of different areas or angles that you move your shoulder that is going to affect you with that type of injury."

Jackson is dealing with a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder, which he tweaked while running a route at practice Monday. He missed the Redskins' Nov. 13 game versus Minnesota with the injury but has resigned himself to gutting it out until the season is over.

He'll continue to rest it and get treatment as needed.

"It's something that I've got to deal with throughout the rest of the season," Jackson said. "It's an injury that's really not going to get better while I'm playing. It'll be all right."

For what it's worth, Reed now has 2,546 receiving yards. He ranks fourth all-time in receiving yards among Redskins tight ends in just his fourth season. Jackson caught a 67-yard touchdown against Dallas. It was the 21st of his career of 60 yards or more. That ranks second in NFL history. Only four players in league history have caught more 50-yard touchdown passes than Jackson (25). ...

Otherwise, two starters on the offensive line also suffered injuries. Right guard Brandon Scherff sprained an ankle but returned to finish the game, as did left guard Shawn Lauvao, who sprained a wrist. Right tackle Morgan Moses has been playing on a sprained ankle for the last three weeks.

I'll continue to follow up on Reed, who was not practicing Wednesday, and Jackson in coming days; watch the Late-Breaking Update section for more. ...

Meanwhile, the Redskins are all but finished in the NFC title chase. The Cowboys (10-1) have run away with that one. But things continued to break well for Washington in the race to secure one of the two NFC wild-card spots. The Redskins watched Detroit (7-4) -- a team it lost to in October -- take control of the NFC North on Thursday with a win over Minnesota (6-5) -- a team it beat earlier in November.

Entering Sunday's game at Arizona, Washington will be in full control of its own destiny with five games left.

The Redskins still play the current No. 5 seed New York Giants (7-3), No. 9 Philadelphia (5-5), No. 10 Arizona (4-5-1) and No. 12 Carolina (4-6) and at worst will have a half-game lead for the No. 6 and final playoff spot.

But they have some issues.

As the Sports Xchange notes, the Redskins' prolific offense continues to leave points on the board thanks to a red-zone percentage that ranks 28th in the NFL. Washington converted just two of five chances in the loss to Dallas and kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two more field-goal attempts (55, 43).

It will continue to haunt them against the better teams on the schedule.

Washington even turned to a wildcat play with running back Robert Kelley in the second quarter that failed. That direct snap wasn't something it had tried at all this season. The Redskins had drives stall at the 25 (missed field goal), the six (field goal), the 38 (missed field goal) and the two (field goal). Grand total: Six points.

"It's something that is a glaring weakness of this football team right now offensively. ... But maybe the only weakness that we have," Gruden said. "Pass protection has been outstanding. The completion percentage is outstanding. The lack of interceptions and turnovers has been outstanding. We just have struggled in the red zone for whatever reason and defenses have a lot to do with that, execution and play-calling. That's what it is. ..."

Other notes of interest. ... After a total of 321 rushing yards in his first three NFL starts, Kelley managed just 37 against a Cowboys front that did a lot of stunting and shifting. Chris Thompson added just 17 yards on four carries and there were more tackles in the backfield than usual. It didn't help that Washington was chasing the game almost from the start after falling behind 7-0 on the opening drive.

And finally. ... Cousins was just the fifth quarterback this season to have over 400 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a game.


DEPTH CHART
QBs: Joe Flacco, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Deshaun Watson
RBs: Jerome Ford, Kareem Hunt, Pierre Strong Jr., Nick Chubb
WRs: Amari Cooper, Elijah Moore, Cedric Tillman, Marquise Goodwin, David Bell
TEs: David Njoku, Jordan Akins, Harrison Bryant

Dallas Cowboys

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 30 November 2016

Tight end Jordan Reed estimated he has only 30 percent range of motion in his sprained left shoulder but hasn't ruled out playing Sunday at the Cardinals.

Reed didn't practice Monday with what he said was a Grade 3 sprain of the AC joint in his left shoulder. That means he tore two ligaments in that shoulder during a 31-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, though he returned and played through pain.

After struggling to put a basketball jersey on over his head, the Redskins' top offensive target said he was having discomfort that was making daily tasks and sleeping difficult. The 26-year-old decided against putting his shoulder in a sling because he's trying to keep it strong and moving in the hopes of getting back on the field when the Redskins (6-4-1) visit Arizona.

"If I go out there I've just got to make sure it's ready to go," Reed said. "They're not going to try to put me out there unless I've got strength in my arm and I can move it and things like that. If I'm able to do that I'm going to play, if not then I can't play."

As Washington Post staffer Liz Clarke noted, the 6-2, 246-pound Reed is a crucial element of the Redskins' passing game, which is the strength of the team as it battles for a spot in the playoffs. Reed has caught a team-high 59 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns.

He is also among the more determined competitors and returned to the field last Thursday afternoon, to the surprise of Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins, and caught two of the Redskins' three fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Despite missing a portion of the second quarter, Reed finished with a game-high 10 receptions (on 12 targets) for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

In that game, Reed was reduced to being only a receiver because his shoulder wasn't strong enough to block. That could be the case against the Cardinals (6-4-1), too, even if Reed can withstand the pain of lifting his arm to make catches.

Reed said rest, not surgery, was the only option and doesn't think playing through the injury will make it worse.

"I don't think it could be hurt any more worse than it is right now," Reed said. "It's just one of those things where I might have to go through the pain for a little bit."

Receiver DeSean Jackson understands. Having previously dealt with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, Jackson called it "a pain in the butt" and a tough injury that can have significant effects.

"It's just different movements, raising or reaching for the ball or trying to block," Jackson said. "It's just all types of different areas or angles that you move your shoulder that is going to affect you with that type of injury."

Jackson is dealing with a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder, which he tweaked while running a route at practice Monday. He missed the Redskins' Nov. 13 game versus Minnesota with the injury but has resigned himself to gutting it out until the season is over.

He'll continue to rest it and get treatment as needed.

"It's something that I've got to deal with throughout the rest of the season," Jackson said. "It's an injury that's really not going to get better while I'm playing. It'll be all right."

For what it's worth, Reed now has 2,546 receiving yards. He ranks fourth all-time in receiving yards among Redskins tight ends in just his fourth season. Jackson caught a 67-yard touchdown against Dallas. It was the 21st of his career of 60 yards or more. That ranks second in NFL history. Only four players in league history have caught more 50-yard touchdown passes than Jackson (25). ...

Otherwise, two starters on the offensive line also suffered injuries. Right guard Brandon Scherff sprained an ankle but returned to finish the game, as did left guard Shawn Lauvao, who sprained a wrist. Right tackle Morgan Moses has been playing on a sprained ankle for the last three weeks.

I'll continue to follow up on Reed, who was not practicing Wednesday, and Jackson in coming days; watch the Late-Breaking Update section for more. ...

Meanwhile, the Redskins are all but finished in the NFC title chase. The Cowboys (10-1) have run away with that one. But things continued to break well for Washington in the race to secure one of the two NFC wild-card spots. The Redskins watched Detroit (7-4) -- a team it lost to in October -- take control of the NFC North on Thursday with a win over Minnesota (6-5) -- a team it beat earlier in November.

Entering Sunday's game at Arizona, Washington will be in full control of its own destiny with five games left.

The Redskins still play the current No. 5 seed New York Giants (7-3), No. 9 Philadelphia (5-5), No. 10 Arizona (4-5-1) and No. 12 Carolina (4-6) and at worst will have a half-game lead for the No. 6 and final playoff spot.

But they have some issues.

As the Sports Xchange notes, the Redskins' prolific offense continues to leave points on the board thanks to a red-zone percentage that ranks 28th in the NFL. Washington converted just two of five chances in the loss to Dallas and kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two more field-goal attempts (55, 43).

It will continue to haunt them against the better teams on the schedule.

Washington even turned to a wildcat play with running back Robert Kelley in the second quarter that failed. That direct snap wasn't something it had tried at all this season. The Redskins had drives stall at the 25 (missed field goal), the six (field goal), the 38 (missed field goal) and the two (field goal). Grand total: Six points.

"It's something that is a glaring weakness of this football team right now offensively. ... But maybe the only weakness that we have," Gruden said. "Pass protection has been outstanding. The completion percentage is outstanding. The lack of interceptions and turnovers has been outstanding. We just have struggled in the red zone for whatever reason and defenses have a lot to do with that, execution and play-calling. That's what it is. ..."

Other notes of interest. ... After a total of 321 rushing yards in his first three NFL starts, Kelley managed just 37 against a Cowboys front that did a lot of stunting and shifting. Chris Thompson added just 17 yards on four carries and there were more tackles in the backfield than usual. It didn't help that Washington was chasing the game almost from the start after falling behind 7-0 on the opening drive.

And finally. ... Cousins was just the fifth quarterback this season to have over 400 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a game.


DEPTH CHART
QBs: Dak Prescott, Cooper Rush, Trey Lance
RBs: Tony Pollard, Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, Hunter Luepke
WRs: CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, Michael Gallup, Jalen Tolbert, KaVontae Turpin, Jalen Brooks
TEs: Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker, Peyton Hendershot

Denver Broncos

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 30 November 2016

Tight end Jordan Reed estimated he has only 30 percent range of motion in his sprained left shoulder but hasn't ruled out playing Sunday at the Cardinals.

Reed didn't practice Monday with what he said was a Grade 3 sprain of the AC joint in his left shoulder. That means he tore two ligaments in that shoulder during a 31-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, though he returned and played through pain.

After struggling to put a basketball jersey on over his head, the Redskins' top offensive target said he was having discomfort that was making daily tasks and sleeping difficult. The 26-year-old decided against putting his shoulder in a sling because he's trying to keep it strong and moving in the hopes of getting back on the field when the Redskins (6-4-1) visit Arizona.

"If I go out there I've just got to make sure it's ready to go," Reed said. "They're not going to try to put me out there unless I've got strength in my arm and I can move it and things like that. If I'm able to do that I'm going to play, if not then I can't play."

As Washington Post staffer Liz Clarke noted, the 6-2, 246-pound Reed is a crucial element of the Redskins' passing game, which is the strength of the team as it battles for a spot in the playoffs. Reed has caught a team-high 59 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns.

He is also among the more determined competitors and returned to the field last Thursday afternoon, to the surprise of Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins, and caught two of the Redskins' three fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Despite missing a portion of the second quarter, Reed finished with a game-high 10 receptions (on 12 targets) for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

In that game, Reed was reduced to being only a receiver because his shoulder wasn't strong enough to block. That could be the case against the Cardinals (6-4-1), too, even if Reed can withstand the pain of lifting his arm to make catches.

Reed said rest, not surgery, was the only option and doesn't think playing through the injury will make it worse.

"I don't think it could be hurt any more worse than it is right now," Reed said. "It's just one of those things where I might have to go through the pain for a little bit."

Receiver DeSean Jackson understands. Having previously dealt with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, Jackson called it "a pain in the butt" and a tough injury that can have significant effects.

"It's just different movements, raising or reaching for the ball or trying to block," Jackson said. "It's just all types of different areas or angles that you move your shoulder that is going to affect you with that type of injury."

Jackson is dealing with a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder, which he tweaked while running a route at practice Monday. He missed the Redskins' Nov. 13 game versus Minnesota with the injury but has resigned himself to gutting it out until the season is over.

He'll continue to rest it and get treatment as needed.

"It's something that I've got to deal with throughout the rest of the season," Jackson said. "It's an injury that's really not going to get better while I'm playing. It'll be all right."

For what it's worth, Reed now has 2,546 receiving yards. He ranks fourth all-time in receiving yards among Redskins tight ends in just his fourth season. Jackson caught a 67-yard touchdown against Dallas. It was the 21st of his career of 60 yards or more. That ranks second in NFL history. Only four players in league history have caught more 50-yard touchdown passes than Jackson (25). ...

Otherwise, two starters on the offensive line also suffered injuries. Right guard Brandon Scherff sprained an ankle but returned to finish the game, as did left guard Shawn Lauvao, who sprained a wrist. Right tackle Morgan Moses has been playing on a sprained ankle for the last three weeks.

I'll continue to follow up on Reed, who was not practicing Wednesday, and Jackson in coming days; watch the Late-Breaking Update section for more. ...

Meanwhile, the Redskins are all but finished in the NFC title chase. The Cowboys (10-1) have run away with that one. But things continued to break well for Washington in the race to secure one of the two NFC wild-card spots. The Redskins watched Detroit (7-4) -- a team it lost to in October -- take control of the NFC North on Thursday with a win over Minnesota (6-5) -- a team it beat earlier in November.

Entering Sunday's game at Arizona, Washington will be in full control of its own destiny with five games left.

The Redskins still play the current No. 5 seed New York Giants (7-3), No. 9 Philadelphia (5-5), No. 10 Arizona (4-5-1) and No. 12 Carolina (4-6) and at worst will have a half-game lead for the No. 6 and final playoff spot.

But they have some issues.

As the Sports Xchange notes, the Redskins' prolific offense continues to leave points on the board thanks to a red-zone percentage that ranks 28th in the NFL. Washington converted just two of five chances in the loss to Dallas and kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two more field-goal attempts (55, 43).

It will continue to haunt them against the better teams on the schedule.

Washington even turned to a wildcat play with running back Robert Kelley in the second quarter that failed. That direct snap wasn't something it had tried at all this season. The Redskins had drives stall at the 25 (missed field goal), the six (field goal), the 38 (missed field goal) and the two (field goal). Grand total: Six points.

"It's something that is a glaring weakness of this football team right now offensively. ... But maybe the only weakness that we have," Gruden said. "Pass protection has been outstanding. The completion percentage is outstanding. The lack of interceptions and turnovers has been outstanding. We just have struggled in the red zone for whatever reason and defenses have a lot to do with that, execution and play-calling. That's what it is. ..."

Other notes of interest. ... After a total of 321 rushing yards in his first three NFL starts, Kelley managed just 37 against a Cowboys front that did a lot of stunting and shifting. Chris Thompson added just 17 yards on four carries and there were more tackles in the backfield than usual. It didn't help that Washington was chasing the game almost from the start after falling behind 7-0 on the opening drive.

And finally. ... Cousins was just the fifth quarterback this season to have over 400 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a game.


DEPTH CHART
QBs: Russell Wilson, Jarrett Stidham
RBs: Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, Samaje Perine
WRs: Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, Marvin Mims Jr., Lil'Jordan Humphrey, Brandon Johnson
TEs: Adam Trautman, Chris Manhertz, Greg Dulcich

Detroit Lions

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 30 November 2016

Tight end Jordan Reed estimated he has only 30 percent range of motion in his sprained left shoulder but hasn't ruled out playing Sunday at the Cardinals.

Reed didn't practice Monday with what he said was a Grade 3 sprain of the AC joint in his left shoulder. That means he tore two ligaments in that shoulder during a 31-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, though he returned and played through pain.

After struggling to put a basketball jersey on over his head, the Redskins' top offensive target said he was having discomfort that was making daily tasks and sleeping difficult. The 26-year-old decided against putting his shoulder in a sling because he's trying to keep it strong and moving in the hopes of getting back on the field when the Redskins (6-4-1) visit Arizona.

"If I go out there I've just got to make sure it's ready to go," Reed said. "They're not going to try to put me out there unless I've got strength in my arm and I can move it and things like that. If I'm able to do that I'm going to play, if not then I can't play."

As Washington Post staffer Liz Clarke noted, the 6-2, 246-pound Reed is a crucial element of the Redskins' passing game, which is the strength of the team as it battles for a spot in the playoffs. Reed has caught a team-high 59 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns.

He is also among the more determined competitors and returned to the field last Thursday afternoon, to the surprise of Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins, and caught two of the Redskins' three fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Despite missing a portion of the second quarter, Reed finished with a game-high 10 receptions (on 12 targets) for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

In that game, Reed was reduced to being only a receiver because his shoulder wasn't strong enough to block. That could be the case against the Cardinals (6-4-1), too, even if Reed can withstand the pain of lifting his arm to make catches.

Reed said rest, not surgery, was the only option and doesn't think playing through the injury will make it worse.

"I don't think it could be hurt any more worse than it is right now," Reed said. "It's just one of those things where I might have to go through the pain for a little bit."

Receiver DeSean Jackson understands. Having previously dealt with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, Jackson called it "a pain in the butt" and a tough injury that can have significant effects.

"It's just different movements, raising or reaching for the ball or trying to block," Jackson said. "It's just all types of different areas or angles that you move your shoulder that is going to affect you with that type of injury."

Jackson is dealing with a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder, which he tweaked while running a route at practice Monday. He missed the Redskins' Nov. 13 game versus Minnesota with the injury but has resigned himself to gutting it out until the season is over.

He'll continue to rest it and get treatment as needed.

"It's something that I've got to deal with throughout the rest of the season," Jackson said. "It's an injury that's really not going to get better while I'm playing. It'll be all right."

For what it's worth, Reed now has 2,546 receiving yards. He ranks fourth all-time in receiving yards among Redskins tight ends in just his fourth season. Jackson caught a 67-yard touchdown against Dallas. It was the 21st of his career of 60 yards or more. That ranks second in NFL history. Only four players in league history have caught more 50-yard touchdown passes than Jackson (25). ...

Otherwise, two starters on the offensive line also suffered injuries. Right guard Brandon Scherff sprained an ankle but returned to finish the game, as did left guard Shawn Lauvao, who sprained a wrist. Right tackle Morgan Moses has been playing on a sprained ankle for the last three weeks.

I'll continue to follow up on Reed, who was not practicing Wednesday, and Jackson in coming days; watch the Late-Breaking Update section for more. ...

Meanwhile, the Redskins are all but finished in the NFC title chase. The Cowboys (10-1) have run away with that one. But things continued to break well for Washington in the race to secure one of the two NFC wild-card spots. The Redskins watched Detroit (7-4) -- a team it lost to in October -- take control of the NFC North on Thursday with a win over Minnesota (6-5) -- a team it beat earlier in November.

Entering Sunday's game at Arizona, Washington will be in full control of its own destiny with five games left.

The Redskins still play the current No. 5 seed New York Giants (7-3), No. 9 Philadelphia (5-5), No. 10 Arizona (4-5-1) and No. 12 Carolina (4-6) and at worst will have a half-game lead for the No. 6 and final playoff spot.

But they have some issues.

As the Sports Xchange notes, the Redskins' prolific offense continues to leave points on the board thanks to a red-zone percentage that ranks 28th in the NFL. Washington converted just two of five chances in the loss to Dallas and kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two more field-goal attempts (55, 43).

It will continue to haunt them against the better teams on the schedule.

Washington even turned to a wildcat play with running back Robert Kelley in the second quarter that failed. That direct snap wasn't something it had tried at all this season. The Redskins had drives stall at the 25 (missed field goal), the six (field goal), the 38 (missed field goal) and the two (field goal). Grand total: Six points.

"It's something that is a glaring weakness of this football team right now offensively. ... But maybe the only weakness that we have," Gruden said. "Pass protection has been outstanding. The completion percentage is outstanding. The lack of interceptions and turnovers has been outstanding. We just have struggled in the red zone for whatever reason and defenses have a lot to do with that, execution and play-calling. That's what it is. ..."

Other notes of interest. ... After a total of 321 rushing yards in his first three NFL starts, Kelley managed just 37 against a Cowboys front that did a lot of stunting and shifting. Chris Thompson added just 17 yards on four carries and there were more tackles in the backfield than usual. It didn't help that Washington was chasing the game almost from the start after falling behind 7-0 on the opening drive.

And finally. ... Cousins was just the fifth quarterback this season to have over 400 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a game.


DEPTH CHART
QBs: Jared Goff, Teddy Bridgewater
RBs: David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs, Craig Reynolds, Zonovan Knight
WRs: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Josh Reynolds, Kalif Raymond, Jameson Williams, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Antoine Green
TEs: Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, James Mitchell

Green Bay Packers

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 30 November 2016

Tight end Jordan Reed estimated he has only 30 percent range of motion in his sprained left shoulder but hasn't ruled out playing Sunday at the Cardinals.

Reed didn't practice Monday with what he said was a Grade 3 sprain of the AC joint in his left shoulder. That means he tore two ligaments in that shoulder during a 31-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, though he returned and played through pain.

After struggling to put a basketball jersey on over his head, the Redskins' top offensive target said he was having discomfort that was making daily tasks and sleeping difficult. The 26-year-old decided against putting his shoulder in a sling because he's trying to keep it strong and moving in the hopes of getting back on the field when the Redskins (6-4-1) visit Arizona.

"If I go out there I've just got to make sure it's ready to go," Reed said. "They're not going to try to put me out there unless I've got strength in my arm and I can move it and things like that. If I'm able to do that I'm going to play, if not then I can't play."

As Washington Post staffer Liz Clarke noted, the 6-2, 246-pound Reed is a crucial element of the Redskins' passing game, which is the strength of the team as it battles for a spot in the playoffs. Reed has caught a team-high 59 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns.

He is also among the more determined competitors and returned to the field last Thursday afternoon, to the surprise of Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins, and caught two of the Redskins' three fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Despite missing a portion of the second quarter, Reed finished with a game-high 10 receptions (on 12 targets) for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

In that game, Reed was reduced to being only a receiver because his shoulder wasn't strong enough to block. That could be the case against the Cardinals (6-4-1), too, even if Reed can withstand the pain of lifting his arm to make catches.

Reed said rest, not surgery, was the only option and doesn't think playing through the injury will make it worse.

"I don't think it could be hurt any more worse than it is right now," Reed said. "It's just one of those things where I might have to go through the pain for a little bit."

Receiver DeSean Jackson understands. Having previously dealt with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, Jackson called it "a pain in the butt" and a tough injury that can have significant effects.

"It's just different movements, raising or reaching for the ball or trying to block," Jackson said. "It's just all types of different areas or angles that you move your shoulder that is going to affect you with that type of injury."

Jackson is dealing with a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder, which he tweaked while running a route at practice Monday. He missed the Redskins' Nov. 13 game versus Minnesota with the injury but has resigned himself to gutting it out until the season is over.

He'll continue to rest it and get treatment as needed.

"It's something that I've got to deal with throughout the rest of the season," Jackson said. "It's an injury that's really not going to get better while I'm playing. It'll be all right."

For what it's worth, Reed now has 2,546 receiving yards. He ranks fourth all-time in receiving yards among Redskins tight ends in just his fourth season. Jackson caught a 67-yard touchdown against Dallas. It was the 21st of his career of 60 yards or more. That ranks second in NFL history. Only four players in league history have caught more 50-yard touchdown passes than Jackson (25). ...

Otherwise, two starters on the offensive line also suffered injuries. Right guard Brandon Scherff sprained an ankle but returned to finish the game, as did left guard Shawn Lauvao, who sprained a wrist. Right tackle Morgan Moses has been playing on a sprained ankle for the last three weeks.

I'll continue to follow up on Reed, who was not practicing Wednesday, and Jackson in coming days; watch the Late-Breaking Update section for more. ...

Meanwhile, the Redskins are all but finished in the NFC title chase. The Cowboys (10-1) have run away with that one. But things continued to break well for Washington in the race to secure one of the two NFC wild-card spots. The Redskins watched Detroit (7-4) -- a team it lost to in October -- take control of the NFC North on Thursday with a win over Minnesota (6-5) -- a team it beat earlier in November.

Entering Sunday's game at Arizona, Washington will be in full control of its own destiny with five games left.

The Redskins still play the current No. 5 seed New York Giants (7-3), No. 9 Philadelphia (5-5), No. 10 Arizona (4-5-1) and No. 12 Carolina (4-6) and at worst will have a half-game lead for the No. 6 and final playoff spot.

But they have some issues.

As the Sports Xchange notes, the Redskins' prolific offense continues to leave points on the board thanks to a red-zone percentage that ranks 28th in the NFL. Washington converted just two of five chances in the loss to Dallas and kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two more field-goal attempts (55, 43).

It will continue to haunt them against the better teams on the schedule.

Washington even turned to a wildcat play with running back Robert Kelley in the second quarter that failed. That direct snap wasn't something it had tried at all this season. The Redskins had drives stall at the 25 (missed field goal), the six (field goal), the 38 (missed field goal) and the two (field goal). Grand total: Six points.

"It's something that is a glaring weakness of this football team right now offensively. ... But maybe the only weakness that we have," Gruden said. "Pass protection has been outstanding. The completion percentage is outstanding. The lack of interceptions and turnovers has been outstanding. We just have struggled in the red zone for whatever reason and defenses have a lot to do with that, execution and play-calling. That's what it is. ..."

Other notes of interest. ... After a total of 321 rushing yards in his first three NFL starts, Kelley managed just 37 against a Cowboys front that did a lot of stunting and shifting. Chris Thompson added just 17 yards on four carries and there were more tackles in the backfield than usual. It didn't help that Washington was chasing the game almost from the start after falling behind 7-0 on the opening drive.

And finally. ... Cousins was just the fifth quarterback this season to have over 400 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a game.


DEPTH CHART
QBs: Jordan Love, Sean Clifford
RBs: Aaron Jones, A.J. Dillon, Patrick Taylor
WRs: Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, Dontayvion Wicks, Samori Toure, Malik Heath
TEs: Tucker Kraft, Ben Sims, Josiah Deguara, Luke Musgrave

Houston Texans

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 30 November 2016

Tight end Jordan Reed estimated he has only 30 percent range of motion in his sprained left shoulder but hasn't ruled out playing Sunday at the Cardinals.

Reed didn't practice Monday with what he said was a Grade 3 sprain of the AC joint in his left shoulder. That means he tore two ligaments in that shoulder during a 31-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, though he returned and played through pain.

After struggling to put a basketball jersey on over his head, the Redskins' top offensive target said he was having discomfort that was making daily tasks and sleeping difficult. The 26-year-old decided against putting his shoulder in a sling because he's trying to keep it strong and moving in the hopes of getting back on the field when the Redskins (6-4-1) visit Arizona.

"If I go out there I've just got to make sure it's ready to go," Reed said. "They're not going to try to put me out there unless I've got strength in my arm and I can move it and things like that. If I'm able to do that I'm going to play, if not then I can't play."

As Washington Post staffer Liz Clarke noted, the 6-2, 246-pound Reed is a crucial element of the Redskins' passing game, which is the strength of the team as it battles for a spot in the playoffs. Reed has caught a team-high 59 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns.

He is also among the more determined competitors and returned to the field last Thursday afternoon, to the surprise of Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins, and caught two of the Redskins' three fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Despite missing a portion of the second quarter, Reed finished with a game-high 10 receptions (on 12 targets) for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

In that game, Reed was reduced to being only a receiver because his shoulder wasn't strong enough to block. That could be the case against the Cardinals (6-4-1), too, even if Reed can withstand the pain of lifting his arm to make catches.

Reed said rest, not surgery, was the only option and doesn't think playing through the injury will make it worse.

"I don't think it could be hurt any more worse than it is right now," Reed said. "It's just one of those things where I might have to go through the pain for a little bit."

Receiver DeSean Jackson understands. Having previously dealt with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, Jackson called it "a pain in the butt" and a tough injury that can have significant effects.

"It's just different movements, raising or reaching for the ball or trying to block," Jackson said. "It's just all types of different areas or angles that you move your shoulder that is going to affect you with that type of injury."

Jackson is dealing with a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder, which he tweaked while running a route at practice Monday. He missed the Redskins' Nov. 13 game versus Minnesota with the injury but has resigned himself to gutting it out until the season is over.

He'll continue to rest it and get treatment as needed.

"It's something that I've got to deal with throughout the rest of the season," Jackson said. "It's an injury that's really not going to get better while I'm playing. It'll be all right."

For what it's worth, Reed now has 2,546 receiving yards. He ranks fourth all-time in receiving yards among Redskins tight ends in just his fourth season. Jackson caught a 67-yard touchdown against Dallas. It was the 21st of his career of 60 yards or more. That ranks second in NFL history. Only four players in league history have caught more 50-yard touchdown passes than Jackson (25). ...

Otherwise, two starters on the offensive line also suffered injuries. Right guard Brandon Scherff sprained an ankle but returned to finish the game, as did left guard Shawn Lauvao, who sprained a wrist. Right tackle Morgan Moses has been playing on a sprained ankle for the last three weeks.

I'll continue to follow up on Reed, who was not practicing Wednesday, and Jackson in coming days; watch the Late-Breaking Update section for more. ...

Meanwhile, the Redskins are all but finished in the NFC title chase. The Cowboys (10-1) have run away with that one. But things continued to break well for Washington in the race to secure one of the two NFC wild-card spots. The Redskins watched Detroit (7-4) -- a team it lost to in October -- take control of the NFC North on Thursday with a win over Minnesota (6-5) -- a team it beat earlier in November.

Entering Sunday's game at Arizona, Washington will be in full control of its own destiny with five games left.

The Redskins still play the current No. 5 seed New York Giants (7-3), No. 9 Philadelphia (5-5), No. 10 Arizona (4-5-1) and No. 12 Carolina (4-6) and at worst will have a half-game lead for the No. 6 and final playoff spot.

But they have some issues.

As the Sports Xchange notes, the Redskins' prolific offense continues to leave points on the board thanks to a red-zone percentage that ranks 28th in the NFL. Washington converted just two of five chances in the loss to Dallas and kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two more field-goal attempts (55, 43).

It will continue to haunt them against the better teams on the schedule.

Washington even turned to a wildcat play with running back Robert Kelley in the second quarter that failed. That direct snap wasn't something it had tried at all this season. The Redskins had drives stall at the 25 (missed field goal), the six (field goal), the 38 (missed field goal) and the two (field goal). Grand total: Six points.

"It's something that is a glaring weakness of this football team right now offensively. ... But maybe the only weakness that we have," Gruden said. "Pass protection has been outstanding. The completion percentage is outstanding. The lack of interceptions and turnovers has been outstanding. We just have struggled in the red zone for whatever reason and defenses have a lot to do with that, execution and play-calling. That's what it is. ..."

Other notes of interest. ... After a total of 321 rushing yards in his first three NFL starts, Kelley managed just 37 against a Cowboys front that did a lot of stunting and shifting. Chris Thompson added just 17 yards on four carries and there were more tackles in the backfield than usual. It didn't help that Washington was chasing the game almost from the start after falling behind 7-0 on the opening drive.

And finally. ... Cousins was just the fifth quarterback this season to have over 400 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a game.


DEPTH CHART
QBs: C.J. Stroud, Case Keenum, Davis Mills
RBs: Devin Singletary, Dameon Pierce, Mike Boone, Dare Ogunbowale
WRs: Nico Collins, Noah Brown, Robert Woods, John Metchie III, Xavier Hutchinson, Tank Dell
TEs: Dalton Schultz, Brevin Jordan

Indianapolis Colts

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 30 November 2016

Tight end Jordan Reed estimated he has only 30 percent range of motion in his sprained left shoulder but hasn't ruled out playing Sunday at the Cardinals.

Reed didn't practice Monday with what he said was a Grade 3 sprain of the AC joint in his left shoulder. That means he tore two ligaments in that shoulder during a 31-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, though he returned and played through pain.

After struggling to put a basketball jersey on over his head, the Redskins' top offensive target said he was having discomfort that was making daily tasks and sleeping difficult. The 26-year-old decided against putting his shoulder in a sling because he's trying to keep it strong and moving in the hopes of getting back on the field when the Redskins (6-4-1) visit Arizona.

"If I go out there I've just got to make sure it's ready to go," Reed said. "They're not going to try to put me out there unless I've got strength in my arm and I can move it and things like that. If I'm able to do that I'm going to play, if not then I can't play."

As Washington Post staffer Liz Clarke noted, the 6-2, 246-pound Reed is a crucial element of the Redskins' passing game, which is the strength of the team as it battles for a spot in the playoffs. Reed has caught a team-high 59 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns.

He is also among the more determined competitors and returned to the field last Thursday afternoon, to the surprise of Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins, and caught two of the Redskins' three fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Despite missing a portion of the second quarter, Reed finished with a game-high 10 receptions (on 12 targets) for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

In that game, Reed was reduced to being only a receiver because his shoulder wasn't strong enough to block. That could be the case against the Cardinals (6-4-1), too, even if Reed can withstand the pain of lifting his arm to make catches.

Reed said rest, not surgery, was the only option and doesn't think playing through the injury will make it worse.

"I don't think it could be hurt any more worse than it is right now," Reed said. "It's just one of those things where I might have to go through the pain for a little bit."

Receiver DeSean Jackson understands. Having previously dealt with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, Jackson called it "a pain in the butt" and a tough injury that can have significant effects.

"It's just different movements, raising or reaching for the ball or trying to block," Jackson said. "It's just all types of different areas or angles that you move your shoulder that is going to affect you with that type of injury."

Jackson is dealing with a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder, which he tweaked while running a route at practice Monday. He missed the Redskins' Nov. 13 game versus Minnesota with the injury but has resigned himself to gutting it out until the season is over.

He'll continue to rest it and get treatment as needed.

"It's something that I've got to deal with throughout the rest of the season," Jackson said. "It's an injury that's really not going to get better while I'm playing. It'll be all right."

For what it's worth, Reed now has 2,546 receiving yards. He ranks fourth all-time in receiving yards among Redskins tight ends in just his fourth season. Jackson caught a 67-yard touchdown against Dallas. It was the 21st of his career of 60 yards or more. That ranks second in NFL history. Only four players in league history have caught more 50-yard touchdown passes than Jackson (25). ...

Otherwise, two starters on the offensive line also suffered injuries. Right guard Brandon Scherff sprained an ankle but returned to finish the game, as did left guard Shawn Lauvao, who sprained a wrist. Right tackle Morgan Moses has been playing on a sprained ankle for the last three weeks.

I'll continue to follow up on Reed, who was not practicing Wednesday, and Jackson in coming days; watch the Late-Breaking Update section for more. ...

Meanwhile, the Redskins are all but finished in the NFC title chase. The Cowboys (10-1) have run away with that one. But things continued to break well for Washington in the race to secure one of the two NFC wild-card spots. The Redskins watched Detroit (7-4) -- a team it lost to in October -- take control of the NFC North on Thursday with a win over Minnesota (6-5) -- a team it beat earlier in November.

Entering Sunday's game at Arizona, Washington will be in full control of its own destiny with five games left.

The Redskins still play the current No. 5 seed New York Giants (7-3), No. 9 Philadelphia (5-5), No. 10 Arizona (4-5-1) and No. 12 Carolina (4-6) and at worst will have a half-game lead for the No. 6 and final playoff spot.

But they have some issues.

As the Sports Xchange notes, the Redskins' prolific offense continues to leave points on the board thanks to a red-zone percentage that ranks 28th in the NFL. Washington converted just two of five chances in the loss to Dallas and kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two more field-goal attempts (55, 43).

It will continue to haunt them against the better teams on the schedule.

Washington even turned to a wildcat play with running back Robert Kelley in the second quarter that failed. That direct snap wasn't something it had tried at all this season. The Redskins had drives stall at the 25 (missed field goal), the six (field goal), the 38 (missed field goal) and the two (field goal). Grand total: Six points.

"It's something that is a glaring weakness of this football team right now offensively. ... But maybe the only weakness that we have," Gruden said. "Pass protection has been outstanding. The completion percentage is outstanding. The lack of interceptions and turnovers has been outstanding. We just have struggled in the red zone for whatever reason and defenses have a lot to do with that, execution and play-calling. That's what it is. ..."

Other notes of interest. ... After a total of 321 rushing yards in his first three NFL starts, Kelley managed just 37 against a Cowboys front that did a lot of stunting and shifting. Chris Thompson added just 17 yards on four carries and there were more tackles in the backfield than usual. It didn't help that Washington was chasing the game almost from the start after falling behind 7-0 on the opening drive.

And finally. ... Cousins was just the fifth quarterback this season to have over 400 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a game.


DEPTH CHART
QBs: Gardner Minshew, Sam Ehlinger, Kellen Mond, Anthony Richardson
RBs: Zack Moss, Jonathan Taylor, Trey Sermon, Evan Hull
WRs: Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, Isaiah McKenzie, D.J. Montgomery
TEs: Mo Alie-Cox, Kylen Granson, Will Mallory, Andrew Ogletree, Jelani Woods

Jacksonville Jaguars

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 30 November 2016

Tight end Jordan Reed estimated he has only 30 percent range of motion in his sprained left shoulder but hasn't ruled out playing Sunday at the Cardinals.

Reed didn't practice Monday with what he said was a Grade 3 sprain of the AC joint in his left shoulder. That means he tore two ligaments in that shoulder during a 31-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, though he returned and played through pain.

After struggling to put a basketball jersey on over his head, the Redskins' top offensive target said he was having discomfort that was making daily tasks and sleeping difficult. The 26-year-old decided against putting his shoulder in a sling because he's trying to keep it strong and moving in the hopes of getting back on the field when the Redskins (6-4-1) visit Arizona.

"If I go out there I've just got to make sure it's ready to go," Reed said. "They're not going to try to put me out there unless I've got strength in my arm and I can move it and things like that. If I'm able to do that I'm going to play, if not then I can't play."

As Washington Post staffer Liz Clarke noted, the 6-2, 246-pound Reed is a crucial element of the Redskins' passing game, which is the strength of the team as it battles for a spot in the playoffs. Reed has caught a team-high 59 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns.

He is also among the more determined competitors and returned to the field last Thursday afternoon, to the surprise of Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins, and caught two of the Redskins' three fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Despite missing a portion of the second quarter, Reed finished with a game-high 10 receptions (on 12 targets) for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

In that game, Reed was reduced to being only a receiver because his shoulder wasn't strong enough to block. That could be the case against the Cardinals (6-4-1), too, even if Reed can withstand the pain of lifting his arm to make catches.

Reed said rest, not surgery, was the only option and doesn't think playing through the injury will make it worse.

"I don't think it could be hurt any more worse than it is right now," Reed said. "It's just one of those things where I might have to go through the pain for a little bit."

Receiver DeSean Jackson understands. Having previously dealt with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, Jackson called it "a pain in the butt" and a tough injury that can have significant effects.

"It's just different movements, raising or reaching for the ball or trying to block," Jackson said. "It's just all types of different areas or angles that you move your shoulder that is going to affect you with that type of injury."

Jackson is dealing with a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder, which he tweaked while running a route at practice Monday. He missed the Redskins' Nov. 13 game versus Minnesota with the injury but has resigned himself to gutting it out until the season is over.

He'll continue to rest it and get treatment as needed.

"It's something that I've got to deal with throughout the rest of the season," Jackson said. "It's an injury that's really not going to get better while I'm playing. It'll be all right."

For what it's worth, Reed now has 2,546 receiving yards. He ranks fourth all-time in receiving yards among Redskins tight ends in just his fourth season. Jackson caught a 67-yard touchdown against Dallas. It was the 21st of his career of 60 yards or more. That ranks second in NFL history. Only four players in league history have caught more 50-yard touchdown passes than Jackson (25). ...

Otherwise, two starters on the offensive line also suffered injuries. Right guard Brandon Scherff sprained an ankle but returned to finish the game, as did left guard Shawn Lauvao, who sprained a wrist. Right tackle Morgan Moses has been playing on a sprained ankle for the last three weeks.

I'll continue to follow up on Reed, who was not practicing Wednesday, and Jackson in coming days; watch the Late-Breaking Update section for more. ...

Meanwhile, the Redskins are all but finished in the NFC title chase. The Cowboys (10-1) have run away with that one. But things continued to break well for Washington in the race to secure one of the two NFC wild-card spots. The Redskins watched Detroit (7-4) -- a team it lost to in October -- take control of the NFC North on Thursday with a win over Minnesota (6-5) -- a team it beat earlier in November.

Entering Sunday's game at Arizona, Washington will be in full control of its own destiny with five games left.

The Redskins still play the current No. 5 seed New York Giants (7-3), No. 9 Philadelphia (5-5), No. 10 Arizona (4-5-1) and No. 12 Carolina (4-6) and at worst will have a half-game lead for the No. 6 and final playoff spot.

But they have some issues.

As the Sports Xchange notes, the Redskins' prolific offense continues to leave points on the board thanks to a red-zone percentage that ranks 28th in the NFL. Washington converted just two of five chances in the loss to Dallas and kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two more field-goal attempts (55, 43).

It will continue to haunt them against the better teams on the schedule.

Washington even turned to a wildcat play with running back Robert Kelley in the second quarter that failed. That direct snap wasn't something it had tried at all this season. The Redskins had drives stall at the 25 (missed field goal), the six (field goal), the 38 (missed field goal) and the two (field goal). Grand total: Six points.

"It's something that is a glaring weakness of this football team right now offensively. ... But maybe the only weakness that we have," Gruden said. "Pass protection has been outstanding. The completion percentage is outstanding. The lack of interceptions and turnovers has been outstanding. We just have struggled in the red zone for whatever reason and defenses have a lot to do with that, execution and play-calling. That's what it is. ..."

Other notes of interest. ... After a total of 321 rushing yards in his first three NFL starts, Kelley managed just 37 against a Cowboys front that did a lot of stunting and shifting. Chris Thompson added just 17 yards on four carries and there were more tackles in the backfield than usual. It didn't help that Washington was chasing the game almost from the start after falling behind 7-0 on the opening drive.

And finally. ... Cousins was just the fifth quarterback this season to have over 400 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a game.


DEPTH CHART
QBs: Trevor Lawrence, C.J. Beathard, Nathan Rourke
RBs: Travis Etienne Jr., Tank Bigsby, D'Ernest Johnson
WRs: Calvin Ridley, Zay Jones, Parker Washington, Tim Jones, Jamal Agnew, Christian Kirk
TEs: Evan Engram, Brenton Strange, Luke Farrell, Elijah Cooks

Kansas City Chiefs

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 30 November 2016

Tight end Jordan Reed estimated he has only 30 percent range of motion in his sprained left shoulder but hasn't ruled out playing Sunday at the Cardinals.

Reed didn't practice Monday with what he said was a Grade 3 sprain of the AC joint in his left shoulder. That means he tore two ligaments in that shoulder during a 31-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, though he returned and played through pain.

After struggling to put a basketball jersey on over his head, the Redskins' top offensive target said he was having discomfort that was making daily tasks and sleeping difficult. The 26-year-old decided against putting his shoulder in a sling because he's trying to keep it strong and moving in the hopes of getting back on the field when the Redskins (6-4-1) visit Arizona.

"If I go out there I've just got to make sure it's ready to go," Reed said. "They're not going to try to put me out there unless I've got strength in my arm and I can move it and things like that. If I'm able to do that I'm going to play, if not then I can't play."

As Washington Post staffer Liz Clarke noted, the 6-2, 246-pound Reed is a crucial element of the Redskins' passing game, which is the strength of the team as it battles for a spot in the playoffs. Reed has caught a team-high 59 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns.

He is also among the more determined competitors and returned to the field last Thursday afternoon, to the surprise of Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins, and caught two of the Redskins' three fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Despite missing a portion of the second quarter, Reed finished with a game-high 10 receptions (on 12 targets) for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

In that game, Reed was reduced to being only a receiver because his shoulder wasn't strong enough to block. That could be the case against the Cardinals (6-4-1), too, even if Reed can withstand the pain of lifting his arm to make catches.

Reed said rest, not surgery, was the only option and doesn't think playing through the injury will make it worse.

"I don't think it could be hurt any more worse than it is right now," Reed said. "It's just one of those things where I might have to go through the pain for a little bit."

Receiver DeSean Jackson understands. Having previously dealt with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, Jackson called it "a pain in the butt" and a tough injury that can have significant effects.

"It's just different movements, raising or reaching for the ball or trying to block," Jackson said. "It's just all types of different areas or angles that you move your shoulder that is going to affect you with that type of injury."

Jackson is dealing with a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder, which he tweaked while running a route at practice Monday. He missed the Redskins' Nov. 13 game versus Minnesota with the injury but has resigned himself to gutting it out until the season is over.

He'll continue to rest it and get treatment as needed.

"It's something that I've got to deal with throughout the rest of the season," Jackson said. "It's an injury that's really not going to get better while I'm playing. It'll be all right."

For what it's worth, Reed now has 2,546 receiving yards. He ranks fourth all-time in receiving yards among Redskins tight ends in just his fourth season. Jackson caught a 67-yard touchdown against Dallas. It was the 21st of his career of 60 yards or more. That ranks second in NFL history. Only four players in league history have caught more 50-yard touchdown passes than Jackson (25). ...

Otherwise, two starters on the offensive line also suffered injuries. Right guard Brandon Scherff sprained an ankle but returned to finish the game, as did left guard Shawn Lauvao, who sprained a wrist. Right tackle Morgan Moses has been playing on a sprained ankle for the last three weeks.

I'll continue to follow up on Reed, who was not practicing Wednesday, and Jackson in coming days; watch the Late-Breaking Update section for more. ...

Meanwhile, the Redskins are all but finished in the NFC title chase. The Cowboys (10-1) have run away with that one. But things continued to break well for Washington in the race to secure one of the two NFC wild-card spots. The Redskins watched Detroit (7-4) -- a team it lost to in October -- take control of the NFC North on Thursday with a win over Minnesota (6-5) -- a team it beat earlier in November.

Entering Sunday's game at Arizona, Washington will be in full control of its own destiny with five games left.

The Redskins still play the current No. 5 seed New York Giants (7-3), No. 9 Philadelphia (5-5), No. 10 Arizona (4-5-1) and No. 12 Carolina (4-6) and at worst will have a half-game lead for the No. 6 and final playoff spot.

But they have some issues.

As the Sports Xchange notes, the Redskins' prolific offense continues to leave points on the board thanks to a red-zone percentage that ranks 28th in the NFL. Washington converted just two of five chances in the loss to Dallas and kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two more field-goal attempts (55, 43).

It will continue to haunt them against the better teams on the schedule.

Washington even turned to a wildcat play with running back Robert Kelley in the second quarter that failed. That direct snap wasn't something it had tried at all this season. The Redskins had drives stall at the 25 (missed field goal), the six (field goal), the 38 (missed field goal) and the two (field goal). Grand total: Six points.

"It's something that is a glaring weakness of this football team right now offensively. ... But maybe the only weakness that we have," Gruden said. "Pass protection has been outstanding. The completion percentage is outstanding. The lack of interceptions and turnovers has been outstanding. We just have struggled in the red zone for whatever reason and defenses have a lot to do with that, execution and play-calling. That's what it is. ..."

Other notes of interest. ... After a total of 321 rushing yards in his first three NFL starts, Kelley managed just 37 against a Cowboys front that did a lot of stunting and shifting. Chris Thompson added just 17 yards on four carries and there were more tackles in the backfield than usual. It didn't help that Washington was chasing the game almost from the start after falling behind 7-0 on the opening drive.

And finally. ... Cousins was just the fifth quarterback this season to have over 400 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a game.


DEPTH CHART
QBs: Patrick Mahomes, Blaine Gabbert
RBs: Isiah Pacheco, Jerick McKinnon, Clyde Edwards-Helaire
WRs: Rashee Rice, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Justin Watson, Kadarius Toney, Richie James, Justyn Ross, Skyy Moore, Mecole Hardman
TEs: Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, Blake Bell, Jody Fortson

Los Angeles Rams

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 30 November 2016

Tight end Jordan Reed estimated he has only 30 percent range of motion in his sprained left shoulder but hasn't ruled out playing Sunday at the Cardinals.

Reed didn't practice Monday with what he said was a Grade 3 sprain of the AC joint in his left shoulder. That means he tore two ligaments in that shoulder during a 31-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, though he returned and played through pain.

After struggling to put a basketball jersey on over his head, the Redskins' top offensive target said he was having discomfort that was making daily tasks and sleeping difficult. The 26-year-old decided against putting his shoulder in a sling because he's trying to keep it strong and moving in the hopes of getting back on the field when the Redskins (6-4-1) visit Arizona.

"If I go out there I've just got to make sure it's ready to go," Reed said. "They're not going to try to put me out there unless I've got strength in my arm and I can move it and things like that. If I'm able to do that I'm going to play, if not then I can't play."

As Washington Post staffer Liz Clarke noted, the 6-2, 246-pound Reed is a crucial element of the Redskins' passing game, which is the strength of the team as it battles for a spot in the playoffs. Reed has caught a team-high 59 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns.

He is also among the more determined competitors and returned to the field last Thursday afternoon, to the surprise of Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins, and caught two of the Redskins' three fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Despite missing a portion of the second quarter, Reed finished with a game-high 10 receptions (on 12 targets) for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

In that game, Reed was reduced to being only a receiver because his shoulder wasn't strong enough to block. That could be the case against the Cardinals (6-4-1), too, even if Reed can withstand the pain of lifting his arm to make catches.

Reed said rest, not surgery, was the only option and doesn't think playing through the injury will make it worse.

"I don't think it could be hurt any more worse than it is right now," Reed said. "It's just one of those things where I might have to go through the pain for a little bit."

Receiver DeSean Jackson understands. Having previously dealt with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, Jackson called it "a pain in the butt" and a tough injury that can have significant effects.

"It's just different movements, raising or reaching for the ball or trying to block," Jackson said. "It's just all types of different areas or angles that you move your shoulder that is going to affect you with that type of injury."

Jackson is dealing with a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder, which he tweaked while running a route at practice Monday. He missed the Redskins' Nov. 13 game versus Minnesota with the injury but has resigned himself to gutting it out until the season is over.

He'll continue to rest it and get treatment as needed.

"It's something that I've got to deal with throughout the rest of the season," Jackson said. "It's an injury that's really not going to get better while I'm playing. It'll be all right."

For what it's worth, Reed now has 2,546 receiving yards. He ranks fourth all-time in receiving yards among Redskins tight ends in just his fourth season. Jackson caught a 67-yard touchdown against Dallas. It was the 21st of his career of 60 yards or more. That ranks second in NFL history. Only four players in league history have caught more 50-yard touchdown passes than Jackson (25). ...

Otherwise, two starters on the offensive line also suffered injuries. Right guard Brandon Scherff sprained an ankle but returned to finish the game, as did left guard Shawn Lauvao, who sprained a wrist. Right tackle Morgan Moses has been playing on a sprained ankle for the last three weeks.

I'll continue to follow up on Reed, who was not practicing Wednesday, and Jackson in coming days; watch the Late-Breaking Update section for more. ...

Meanwhile, the Redskins are all but finished in the NFC title chase. The Cowboys (10-1) have run away with that one. But things continued to break well for Washington in the race to secure one of the two NFC wild-card spots. The Redskins watched Detroit (7-4) -- a team it lost to in October -- take control of the NFC North on Thursday with a win over Minnesota (6-5) -- a team it beat earlier in November.

Entering Sunday's game at Arizona, Washington will be in full control of its own destiny with five games left.

The Redskins still play the current No. 5 seed New York Giants (7-3), No. 9 Philadelphia (5-5), No. 10 Arizona (4-5-1) and No. 12 Carolina (4-6) and at worst will have a half-game lead for the No. 6 and final playoff spot.

But they have some issues.

As the Sports Xchange notes, the Redskins' prolific offense continues to leave points on the board thanks to a red-zone percentage that ranks 28th in the NFL. Washington converted just two of five chances in the loss to Dallas and kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two more field-goal attempts (55, 43).

It will continue to haunt them against the better teams on the schedule.

Washington even turned to a wildcat play with running back Robert Kelley in the second quarter that failed. That direct snap wasn't something it had tried at all this season. The Redskins had drives stall at the 25 (missed field goal), the six (field goal), the 38 (missed field goal) and the two (field goal). Grand total: Six points.

"It's something that is a glaring weakness of this football team right now offensively. ... But maybe the only weakness that we have," Gruden said. "Pass protection has been outstanding. The completion percentage is outstanding. The lack of interceptions and turnovers has been outstanding. We just have struggled in the red zone for whatever reason and defenses have a lot to do with that, execution and play-calling. That's what it is. ..."

Other notes of interest. ... After a total of 321 rushing yards in his first three NFL starts, Kelley managed just 37 against a Cowboys front that did a lot of stunting and shifting. Chris Thompson added just 17 yards on four carries and there were more tackles in the backfield than usual. It didn't help that Washington was chasing the game almost from the start after falling behind 7-0 on the opening drive.

And finally. ... Cousins was just the fifth quarterback this season to have over 400 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a game.


DEPTH CHART
QBs: Matthew Stafford, Carson Wentz, Stetson Bennett
RBs: Kyren Williams, Royce Freeman, Zach Evans, Ronnie Rivers
WRs: Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, Tutu Atwell, Ben Skowronek, Demarcus Robinson
TEs: Tyler Higbee, Brycen Hopkins, Hunter Long, Davis Allen

Miami Dolphins

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 30 November 2016

Tight end Jordan Reed estimated he has only 30 percent range of motion in his sprained left shoulder but hasn't ruled out playing Sunday at the Cardinals.

Reed didn't practice Monday with what he said was a Grade 3 sprain of the AC joint in his left shoulder. That means he tore two ligaments in that shoulder during a 31-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, though he returned and played through pain.

After struggling to put a basketball jersey on over his head, the Redskins' top offensive target said he was having discomfort that was making daily tasks and sleeping difficult. The 26-year-old decided against putting his shoulder in a sling because he's trying to keep it strong and moving in the hopes of getting back on the field when the Redskins (6-4-1) visit Arizona.

"If I go out there I've just got to make sure it's ready to go," Reed said. "They're not going to try to put me out there unless I've got strength in my arm and I can move it and things like that. If I'm able to do that I'm going to play, if not then I can't play."

As Washington Post staffer Liz Clarke noted, the 6-2, 246-pound Reed is a crucial element of the Redskins' passing game, which is the strength of the team as it battles for a spot in the playoffs. Reed has caught a team-high 59 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns.

He is also among the more determined competitors and returned to the field last Thursday afternoon, to the surprise of Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins, and caught two of the Redskins' three fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Despite missing a portion of the second quarter, Reed finished with a game-high 10 receptions (on 12 targets) for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

In that game, Reed was reduced to being only a receiver because his shoulder wasn't strong enough to block. That could be the case against the Cardinals (6-4-1), too, even if Reed can withstand the pain of lifting his arm to make catches.

Reed said rest, not surgery, was the only option and doesn't think playing through the injury will make it worse.

"I don't think it could be hurt any more worse than it is right now," Reed said. "It's just one of those things where I might have to go through the pain for a little bit."

Receiver DeSean Jackson understands. Having previously dealt with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, Jackson called it "a pain in the butt" and a tough injury that can have significant effects.

"It's just different movements, raising or reaching for the ball or trying to block," Jackson said. "It's just all types of different areas or angles that you move your shoulder that is going to affect you with that type of injury."

Jackson is dealing with a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder, which he tweaked while running a route at practice Monday. He missed the Redskins' Nov. 13 game versus Minnesota with the injury but has resigned himself to gutting it out until the season is over.

He'll continue to rest it and get treatment as needed.

"It's something that I've got to deal with throughout the rest of the season," Jackson said. "It's an injury that's really not going to get better while I'm playing. It'll be all right."

For what it's worth, Reed now has 2,546 receiving yards. He ranks fourth all-time in receiving yards among Redskins tight ends in just his fourth season. Jackson caught a 67-yard touchdown against Dallas. It was the 21st of his career of 60 yards or more. That ranks second in NFL history. Only four players in league history have caught more 50-yard touchdown passes than Jackson (25). ...

Otherwise, two starters on the offensive line also suffered injuries. Right guard Brandon Scherff sprained an ankle but returned to finish the game, as did left guard Shawn Lauvao, who sprained a wrist. Right tackle Morgan Moses has been playing on a sprained ankle for the last three weeks.

I'll continue to follow up on Reed, who was not practicing Wednesday, and Jackson in coming days; watch the Late-Breaking Update section for more. ...

Meanwhile, the Redskins are all but finished in the NFC title chase. The Cowboys (10-1) have run away with that one. But things continued to break well for Washington in the race to secure one of the two NFC wild-card spots. The Redskins watched Detroit (7-4) -- a team it lost to in October -- take control of the NFC North on Thursday with a win over Minnesota (6-5) -- a team it beat earlier in November.

Entering Sunday's game at Arizona, Washington will be in full control of its own destiny with five games left.

The Redskins still play the current No. 5 seed New York Giants (7-3), No. 9 Philadelphia (5-5), No. 10 Arizona (4-5-1) and No. 12 Carolina (4-6) and at worst will have a half-game lead for the No. 6 and final playoff spot.

But they have some issues.

As the Sports Xchange notes, the Redskins' prolific offense continues to leave points on the board thanks to a red-zone percentage that ranks 28th in the NFL. Washington converted just two of five chances in the loss to Dallas and kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two more field-goal attempts (55, 43).

It will continue to haunt them against the better teams on the schedule.

Washington even turned to a wildcat play with running back Robert Kelley in the second quarter that failed. That direct snap wasn't something it had tried at all this season. The Redskins had drives stall at the 25 (missed field goal), the six (field goal), the 38 (missed field goal) and the two (field goal). Grand total: Six points.

"It's something that is a glaring weakness of this football team right now offensively. ... But maybe the only weakness that we have," Gruden said. "Pass protection has been outstanding. The completion percentage is outstanding. The lack of interceptions and turnovers has been outstanding. We just have struggled in the red zone for whatever reason and defenses have a lot to do with that, execution and play-calling. That's what it is. ..."

Other notes of interest. ... After a total of 321 rushing yards in his first three NFL starts, Kelley managed just 37 against a Cowboys front that did a lot of stunting and shifting. Chris Thompson added just 17 yards on four carries and there were more tackles in the backfield than usual. It didn't help that Washington was chasing the game almost from the start after falling behind 7-0 on the opening drive.

And finally. ... Cousins was just the fifth quarterback this season to have over 400 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a game.


DEPTH CHART
QBs: Tua Tagovailoa, Mike White, Skylar Thompson
RBs: Raheem Mostert, De'Von Achane, Jeff Wilson, Salvon Ahmed, Christopher Brooks
WRs: Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Braxton Berrios, Cedrick Wilson, Chase Claypool, River Cracraft
TEs: Durham Smythe, Julian Hill, Tyler Kroft

Minnesota Vikings

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 30 November 2016

Tight end Jordan Reed estimated he has only 30 percent range of motion in his sprained left shoulder but hasn't ruled out playing Sunday at the Cardinals.

Reed didn't practice Monday with what he said was a Grade 3 sprain of the AC joint in his left shoulder. That means he tore two ligaments in that shoulder during a 31-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, though he returned and played through pain.

After struggling to put a basketball jersey on over his head, the Redskins' top offensive target said he was having discomfort that was making daily tasks and sleeping difficult. The 26-year-old decided against putting his shoulder in a sling because he's trying to keep it strong and moving in the hopes of getting back on the field when the Redskins (6-4-1) visit Arizona.

"If I go out there I've just got to make sure it's ready to go," Reed said. "They're not going to try to put me out there unless I've got strength in my arm and I can move it and things like that. If I'm able to do that I'm going to play, if not then I can't play."

As Washington Post staffer Liz Clarke noted, the 6-2, 246-pound Reed is a crucial element of the Redskins' passing game, which is the strength of the team as it battles for a spot in the playoffs. Reed has caught a team-high 59 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns.

He is also among the more determined competitors and returned to the field last Thursday afternoon, to the surprise of Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins, and caught two of the Redskins' three fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Despite missing a portion of the second quarter, Reed finished with a game-high 10 receptions (on 12 targets) for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

In that game, Reed was reduced to being only a receiver because his shoulder wasn't strong enough to block. That could be the case against the Cardinals (6-4-1), too, even if Reed can withstand the pain of lifting his arm to make catches.

Reed said rest, not surgery, was the only option and doesn't think playing through the injury will make it worse.

"I don't think it could be hurt any more worse than it is right now," Reed said. "It's just one of those things where I might have to go through the pain for a little bit."

Receiver DeSean Jackson understands. Having previously dealt with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, Jackson called it "a pain in the butt" and a tough injury that can have significant effects.

"It's just different movements, raising or reaching for the ball or trying to block," Jackson said. "It's just all types of different areas or angles that you move your shoulder that is going to affect you with that type of injury."

Jackson is dealing with a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder, which he tweaked while running a route at practice Monday. He missed the Redskins' Nov. 13 game versus Minnesota with the injury but has resigned himself to gutting it out until the season is over.

He'll continue to rest it and get treatment as needed.

"It's something that I've got to deal with throughout the rest of the season," Jackson said. "It's an injury that's really not going to get better while I'm playing. It'll be all right."

For what it's worth, Reed now has 2,546 receiving yards. He ranks fourth all-time in receiving yards among Redskins tight ends in just his fourth season. Jackson caught a 67-yard touchdown against Dallas. It was the 21st of his career of 60 yards or more. That ranks second in NFL history. Only four players in league history have caught more 50-yard touchdown passes than Jackson (25). ...

Otherwise, two starters on the offensive line also suffered injuries. Right guard Brandon Scherff sprained an ankle but returned to finish the game, as did left guard Shawn Lauvao, who sprained a wrist. Right tackle Morgan Moses has been playing on a sprained ankle for the last three weeks.

I'll continue to follow up on Reed, who was not practicing Wednesday, and Jackson in coming days; watch the Late-Breaking Update section for more. ...

Meanwhile, the Redskins are all but finished in the NFC title chase. The Cowboys (10-1) have run away with that one. But things continued to break well for Washington in the race to secure one of the two NFC wild-card spots. The Redskins watched Detroit (7-4) -- a team it lost to in October -- take control of the NFC North on Thursday with a win over Minnesota (6-5) -- a team it beat earlier in November.

Entering Sunday's game at Arizona, Washington will be in full control of its own destiny with five games left.

The Redskins still play the current No. 5 seed New York Giants (7-3), No. 9 Philadelphia (5-5), No. 10 Arizona (4-5-1) and No. 12 Carolina (4-6) and at worst will have a half-game lead for the No. 6 and final playoff spot.

But they have some issues.

As the Sports Xchange notes, the Redskins' prolific offense continues to leave points on the board thanks to a red-zone percentage that ranks 28th in the NFL. Washington converted just two of five chances in the loss to Dallas and kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two more field-goal attempts (55, 43).

It will continue to haunt them against the better teams on the schedule.

Washington even turned to a wildcat play with running back Robert Kelley in the second quarter that failed. That direct snap wasn't something it had tried at all this season. The Redskins had drives stall at the 25 (missed field goal), the six (field goal), the 38 (missed field goal) and the two (field goal). Grand total: Six points.

"It's something that is a glaring weakness of this football team right now offensively. ... But maybe the only weakness that we have," Gruden said. "Pass protection has been outstanding. The completion percentage is outstanding. The lack of interceptions and turnovers has been outstanding. We just have struggled in the red zone for whatever reason and defenses have a lot to do with that, execution and play-calling. That's what it is. ..."

Other notes of interest. ... After a total of 321 rushing yards in his first three NFL starts, Kelley managed just 37 against a Cowboys front that did a lot of stunting and shifting. Chris Thompson added just 17 yards on four carries and there were more tackles in the backfield than usual. It didn't help that Washington was chasing the game almost from the start after falling behind 7-0 on the opening drive.

And finally. ... Cousins was just the fifth quarterback this season to have over 400 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a game.


DEPTH CHART
QBs: Nick Mullens, Jaren Hall, Josh Dobbs, Kirk Cousins
RBs: Alexander Mattison, Ty Chandler, C.J. Ham, Kene Nwangwu, Cam Akers
WRs: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, K.J. Osborn, Brandon Powell, Jalen Nailor
TEs: Josh Oliver, Johnny Mundt, Nick Muse, T.J. Hockenson

New England Patriots

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 30 November 2016

Tight end Jordan Reed estimated he has only 30 percent range of motion in his sprained left shoulder but hasn't ruled out playing Sunday at the Cardinals.

Reed didn't practice Monday with what he said was a Grade 3 sprain of the AC joint in his left shoulder. That means he tore two ligaments in that shoulder during a 31-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, though he returned and played through pain.

After struggling to put a basketball jersey on over his head, the Redskins' top offensive target said he was having discomfort that was making daily tasks and sleeping difficult. The 26-year-old decided against putting his shoulder in a sling because he's trying to keep it strong and moving in the hopes of getting back on the field when the Redskins (6-4-1) visit Arizona.

"If I go out there I've just got to make sure it's ready to go," Reed said. "They're not going to try to put me out there unless I've got strength in my arm and I can move it and things like that. If I'm able to do that I'm going to play, if not then I can't play."

As Washington Post staffer Liz Clarke noted, the 6-2, 246-pound Reed is a crucial element of the Redskins' passing game, which is the strength of the team as it battles for a spot in the playoffs. Reed has caught a team-high 59 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns.

He is also among the more determined competitors and returned to the field last Thursday afternoon, to the surprise of Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins, and caught two of the Redskins' three fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Despite missing a portion of the second quarter, Reed finished with a game-high 10 receptions (on 12 targets) for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

In that game, Reed was reduced to being only a receiver because his shoulder wasn't strong enough to block. That could be the case against the Cardinals (6-4-1), too, even if Reed can withstand the pain of lifting his arm to make catches.

Reed said rest, not surgery, was the only option and doesn't think playing through the injury will make it worse.

"I don't think it could be hurt any more worse than it is right now," Reed said. "It's just one of those things where I might have to go through the pain for a little bit."

Receiver DeSean Jackson understands. Having previously dealt with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, Jackson called it "a pain in the butt" and a tough injury that can have significant effects.

"It's just different movements, raising or reaching for the ball or trying to block," Jackson said. "It's just all types of different areas or angles that you move your shoulder that is going to affect you with that type of injury."

Jackson is dealing with a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder, which he tweaked while running a route at practice Monday. He missed the Redskins' Nov. 13 game versus Minnesota with the injury but has resigned himself to gutting it out until the season is over.

He'll continue to rest it and get treatment as needed.

"It's something that I've got to deal with throughout the rest of the season," Jackson said. "It's an injury that's really not going to get better while I'm playing. It'll be all right."

For what it's worth, Reed now has 2,546 receiving yards. He ranks fourth all-time in receiving yards among Redskins tight ends in just his fourth season. Jackson caught a 67-yard touchdown against Dallas. It was the 21st of his career of 60 yards or more. That ranks second in NFL history. Only four players in league history have caught more 50-yard touchdown passes than Jackson (25). ...

Otherwise, two starters on the offensive line also suffered injuries. Right guard Brandon Scherff sprained an ankle but returned to finish the game, as did left guard Shawn Lauvao, who sprained a wrist. Right tackle Morgan Moses has been playing on a sprained ankle for the last three weeks.

I'll continue to follow up on Reed, who was not practicing Wednesday, and Jackson in coming days; watch the Late-Breaking Update section for more. ...

Meanwhile, the Redskins are all but finished in the NFC title chase. The Cowboys (10-1) have run away with that one. But things continued to break well for Washington in the race to secure one of the two NFC wild-card spots. The Redskins watched Detroit (7-4) -- a team it lost to in October -- take control of the NFC North on Thursday with a win over Minnesota (6-5) -- a team it beat earlier in November.

Entering Sunday's game at Arizona, Washington will be in full control of its own destiny with five games left.

The Redskins still play the current No. 5 seed New York Giants (7-3), No. 9 Philadelphia (5-5), No. 10 Arizona (4-5-1) and No. 12 Carolina (4-6) and at worst will have a half-game lead for the No. 6 and final playoff spot.

But they have some issues.

As the Sports Xchange notes, the Redskins' prolific offense continues to leave points on the board thanks to a red-zone percentage that ranks 28th in the NFL. Washington converted just two of five chances in the loss to Dallas and kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two more field-goal attempts (55, 43).

It will continue to haunt them against the better teams on the schedule.

Washington even turned to a wildcat play with running back Robert Kelley in the second quarter that failed. That direct snap wasn't something it had tried at all this season. The Redskins had drives stall at the 25 (missed field goal), the six (field goal), the 38 (missed field goal) and the two (field goal). Grand total: Six points.

"It's something that is a glaring weakness of this football team right now offensively. ... But maybe the only weakness that we have," Gruden said. "Pass protection has been outstanding. The completion percentage is outstanding. The lack of interceptions and turnovers has been outstanding. We just have struggled in the red zone for whatever reason and defenses have a lot to do with that, execution and play-calling. That's what it is. ..."

Other notes of interest. ... After a total of 321 rushing yards in his first three NFL starts, Kelley managed just 37 against a Cowboys front that did a lot of stunting and shifting. Chris Thompson added just 17 yards on four carries and there were more tackles in the backfield than usual. It didn't help that Washington was chasing the game almost from the start after falling behind 7-0 on the opening drive.

And finally. ... Cousins was just the fifth quarterback this season to have over 400 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a game.


DEPTH CHART
QBs: Bailey Zappe, Mac Jones
RBs: Rhamondre Stevenson, Ezekiel Elliott, JaMycal Hasty
WRs: DeVante Parker, Demario Douglas, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton, Kayshon Boutte, Matt Slater, Kendrick Bourne
TEs: Hunter Henry, Mike Gesicki, Pharaoh Brown

New Orleans Saints

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 30 November 2016

Tight end Jordan Reed estimated he has only 30 percent range of motion in his sprained left shoulder but hasn't ruled out playing Sunday at the Cardinals.

Reed didn't practice Monday with what he said was a Grade 3 sprain of the AC joint in his left shoulder. That means he tore two ligaments in that shoulder during a 31-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, though he returned and played through pain.

After struggling to put a basketball jersey on over his head, the Redskins' top offensive target said he was having discomfort that was making daily tasks and sleeping difficult. The 26-year-old decided against putting his shoulder in a sling because he's trying to keep it strong and moving in the hopes of getting back on the field when the Redskins (6-4-1) visit Arizona.

"If I go out there I've just got to make sure it's ready to go," Reed said. "They're not going to try to put me out there unless I've got strength in my arm and I can move it and things like that. If I'm able to do that I'm going to play, if not then I can't play."

As Washington Post staffer Liz Clarke noted, the 6-2, 246-pound Reed is a crucial element of the Redskins' passing game, which is the strength of the team as it battles for a spot in the playoffs. Reed has caught a team-high 59 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns.

He is also among the more determined competitors and returned to the field last Thursday afternoon, to the surprise of Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins, and caught two of the Redskins' three fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Despite missing a portion of the second quarter, Reed finished with a game-high 10 receptions (on 12 targets) for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

In that game, Reed was reduced to being only a receiver because his shoulder wasn't strong enough to block. That could be the case against the Cardinals (6-4-1), too, even if Reed can withstand the pain of lifting his arm to make catches.

Reed said rest, not surgery, was the only option and doesn't think playing through the injury will make it worse.

"I don't think it could be hurt any more worse than it is right now," Reed said. "It's just one of those things where I might have to go through the pain for a little bit."

Receiver DeSean Jackson understands. Having previously dealt with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, Jackson called it "a pain in the butt" and a tough injury that can have significant effects.

"It's just different movements, raising or reaching for the ball or trying to block," Jackson said. "It's just all types of different areas or angles that you move your shoulder that is going to affect you with that type of injury."

Jackson is dealing with a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder, which he tweaked while running a route at practice Monday. He missed the Redskins' Nov. 13 game versus Minnesota with the injury but has resigned himself to gutting it out until the season is over.

He'll continue to rest it and get treatment as needed.

"It's something that I've got to deal with throughout the rest of the season," Jackson said. "It's an injury that's really not going to get better while I'm playing. It'll be all right."

For what it's worth, Reed now has 2,546 receiving yards. He ranks fourth all-time in receiving yards among Redskins tight ends in just his fourth season. Jackson caught a 67-yard touchdown against Dallas. It was the 21st of his career of 60 yards or more. That ranks second in NFL history. Only four players in league history have caught more 50-yard touchdown passes than Jackson (25). ...

Otherwise, two starters on the offensive line also suffered injuries. Right guard Brandon Scherff sprained an ankle but returned to finish the game, as did left guard Shawn Lauvao, who sprained a wrist. Right tackle Morgan Moses has been playing on a sprained ankle for the last three weeks.

I'll continue to follow up on Reed, who was not practicing Wednesday, and Jackson in coming days; watch the Late-Breaking Update section for more. ...

Meanwhile, the Redskins are all but finished in the NFC title chase. The Cowboys (10-1) have run away with that one. But things continued to break well for Washington in the race to secure one of the two NFC wild-card spots. The Redskins watched Detroit (7-4) -- a team it lost to in October -- take control of the NFC North on Thursday with a win over Minnesota (6-5) -- a team it beat earlier in November.

Entering Sunday's game at Arizona, Washington will be in full control of its own destiny with five games left.

The Redskins still play the current No. 5 seed New York Giants (7-3), No. 9 Philadelphia (5-5), No. 10 Arizona (4-5-1) and No. 12 Carolina (4-6) and at worst will have a half-game lead for the No. 6 and final playoff spot.

But they have some issues.

As the Sports Xchange notes, the Redskins' prolific offense continues to leave points on the board thanks to a red-zone percentage that ranks 28th in the NFL. Washington converted just two of five chances in the loss to Dallas and kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two more field-goal attempts (55, 43).

It will continue to haunt them against the better teams on the schedule.

Washington even turned to a wildcat play with running back Robert Kelley in the second quarter that failed. That direct snap wasn't something it had tried at all this season. The Redskins had drives stall at the 25 (missed field goal), the six (field goal), the 38 (missed field goal) and the two (field goal). Grand total: Six points.

"It's something that is a glaring weakness of this football team right now offensively. ... But maybe the only weakness that we have," Gruden said. "Pass protection has been outstanding. The completion percentage is outstanding. The lack of interceptions and turnovers has been outstanding. We just have struggled in the red zone for whatever reason and defenses have a lot to do with that, execution and play-calling. That's what it is. ..."

Other notes of interest. ... After a total of 321 rushing yards in his first three NFL starts, Kelley managed just 37 against a Cowboys front that did a lot of stunting and shifting. Chris Thompson added just 17 yards on four carries and there were more tackles in the backfield than usual. It didn't help that Washington was chasing the game almost from the start after falling behind 7-0 on the opening drive.

And finally. ... Cousins was just the fifth quarterback this season to have over 400 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a game.


DEPTH CHART
QBs: Derek Carr, Jameis Winston, Jake Haener
RBs: Alvin Kamara, Jamaal Williams, Kendre Miller
WRs: Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, A.T. Perry, Keith Kirkwood, Lynn Bowden, Michael Thomas
TEs: Juwan Johnson, Taysom Hill, Foster Moreau, Jimmy Graham

New York Giants

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 30 November 2016

Tight end Jordan Reed estimated he has only 30 percent range of motion in his sprained left shoulder but hasn't ruled out playing Sunday at the Cardinals.

Reed didn't practice Monday with what he said was a Grade 3 sprain of the AC joint in his left shoulder. That means he tore two ligaments in that shoulder during a 31-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, though he returned and played through pain.

After struggling to put a basketball jersey on over his head, the Redskins' top offensive target said he was having discomfort that was making daily tasks and sleeping difficult. The 26-year-old decided against putting his shoulder in a sling because he's trying to keep it strong and moving in the hopes of getting back on the field when the Redskins (6-4-1) visit Arizona.

"If I go out there I've just got to make sure it's ready to go," Reed said. "They're not going to try to put me out there unless I've got strength in my arm and I can move it and things like that. If I'm able to do that I'm going to play, if not then I can't play."

As Washington Post staffer Liz Clarke noted, the 6-2, 246-pound Reed is a crucial element of the Redskins' passing game, which is the strength of the team as it battles for a spot in the playoffs. Reed has caught a team-high 59 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns.

He is also among the more determined competitors and returned to the field last Thursday afternoon, to the surprise of Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins, and caught two of the Redskins' three fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Despite missing a portion of the second quarter, Reed finished with a game-high 10 receptions (on 12 targets) for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

In that game, Reed was reduced to being only a receiver because his shoulder wasn't strong enough to block. That could be the case against the Cardinals (6-4-1), too, even if Reed can withstand the pain of lifting his arm to make catches.

Reed said rest, not surgery, was the only option and doesn't think playing through the injury will make it worse.

"I don't think it could be hurt any more worse than it is right now," Reed said. "It's just one of those things where I might have to go through the pain for a little bit."

Receiver DeSean Jackson understands. Having previously dealt with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, Jackson called it "a pain in the butt" and a tough injury that can have significant effects.

"It's just different movements, raising or reaching for the ball or trying to block," Jackson said. "It's just all types of different areas or angles that you move your shoulder that is going to affect you with that type of injury."

Jackson is dealing with a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder, which he tweaked while running a route at practice Monday. He missed the Redskins' Nov. 13 game versus Minnesota with the injury but has resigned himself to gutting it out until the season is over.

He'll continue to rest it and get treatment as needed.

"It's something that I've got to deal with throughout the rest of the season," Jackson said. "It's an injury that's really not going to get better while I'm playing. It'll be all right."

For what it's worth, Reed now has 2,546 receiving yards. He ranks fourth all-time in receiving yards among Redskins tight ends in just his fourth season. Jackson caught a 67-yard touchdown against Dallas. It was the 21st of his career of 60 yards or more. That ranks second in NFL history. Only four players in league history have caught more 50-yard touchdown passes than Jackson (25). ...

Otherwise, two starters on the offensive line also suffered injuries. Right guard Brandon Scherff sprained an ankle but returned to finish the game, as did left guard Shawn Lauvao, who sprained a wrist. Right tackle Morgan Moses has been playing on a sprained ankle for the last three weeks.

I'll continue to follow up on Reed, who was not practicing Wednesday, and Jackson in coming days; watch the Late-Breaking Update section for more. ...

Meanwhile, the Redskins are all but finished in the NFC title chase. The Cowboys (10-1) have run away with that one. But things continued to break well for Washington in the race to secure one of the two NFC wild-card spots. The Redskins watched Detroit (7-4) -- a team it lost to in October -- take control of the NFC North on Thursday with a win over Minnesota (6-5) -- a team it beat earlier in November.

Entering Sunday's game at Arizona, Washington will be in full control of its own destiny with five games left.

The Redskins still play the current No. 5 seed New York Giants (7-3), No. 9 Philadelphia (5-5), No. 10 Arizona (4-5-1) and No. 12 Carolina (4-6) and at worst will have a half-game lead for the No. 6 and final playoff spot.

But they have some issues.

As the Sports Xchange notes, the Redskins' prolific offense continues to leave points on the board thanks to a red-zone percentage that ranks 28th in the NFL. Washington converted just two of five chances in the loss to Dallas and kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two more field-goal attempts (55, 43).

It will continue to haunt them against the better teams on the schedule.

Washington even turned to a wildcat play with running back Robert Kelley in the second quarter that failed. That direct snap wasn't something it had tried at all this season. The Redskins had drives stall at the 25 (missed field goal), the six (field goal), the 38 (missed field goal) and the two (field goal). Grand total: Six points.

"It's something that is a glaring weakness of this football team right now offensively. ... But maybe the only weakness that we have," Gruden said. "Pass protection has been outstanding. The completion percentage is outstanding. The lack of interceptions and turnovers has been outstanding. We just have struggled in the red zone for whatever reason and defenses have a lot to do with that, execution and play-calling. That's what it is. ..."

Other notes of interest. ... After a total of 321 rushing yards in his first three NFL starts, Kelley managed just 37 against a Cowboys front that did a lot of stunting and shifting. Chris Thompson added just 17 yards on four carries and there were more tackles in the backfield than usual. It didn't help that Washington was chasing the game almost from the start after falling behind 7-0 on the opening drive.

And finally. ... Cousins was just the fifth quarterback this season to have over 400 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a game.


DEPTH CHART
QBs: Tommy DeVito, Tyrod Taylor, Daniel Jones
RBs: Saquon Barkley, Matt Breida, Gary Brightwell, Eric Gray
WRs: Darius Slayton, Wan'Dale Robinson, Jalin Hyatt, Parris Campbell, Isaiah Hodgins, Sterling Shepard
TEs: Darren Waller, Daniel Bellinger, Lawrence Cager, Chris Myarick

New York Jets

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 30 November 2016

Tight end Jordan Reed estimated he has only 30 percent range of motion in his sprained left shoulder but hasn't ruled out playing Sunday at the Cardinals.

Reed didn't practice Monday with what he said was a Grade 3 sprain of the AC joint in his left shoulder. That means he tore two ligaments in that shoulder during a 31-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, though he returned and played through pain.

After struggling to put a basketball jersey on over his head, the Redskins' top offensive target said he was having discomfort that was making daily tasks and sleeping difficult. The 26-year-old decided against putting his shoulder in a sling because he's trying to keep it strong and moving in the hopes of getting back on the field when the Redskins (6-4-1) visit Arizona.

"If I go out there I've just got to make sure it's ready to go," Reed said. "They're not going to try to put me out there unless I've got strength in my arm and I can move it and things like that. If I'm able to do that I'm going to play, if not then I can't play."

As Washington Post staffer Liz Clarke noted, the 6-2, 246-pound Reed is a crucial element of the Redskins' passing game, which is the strength of the team as it battles for a spot in the playoffs. Reed has caught a team-high 59 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns.

He is also among the more determined competitors and returned to the field last Thursday afternoon, to the surprise of Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins, and caught two of the Redskins' three fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Despite missing a portion of the second quarter, Reed finished with a game-high 10 receptions (on 12 targets) for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

In that game, Reed was reduced to being only a receiver because his shoulder wasn't strong enough to block. That could be the case against the Cardinals (6-4-1), too, even if Reed can withstand the pain of lifting his arm to make catches.

Reed said rest, not surgery, was the only option and doesn't think playing through the injury will make it worse.

"I don't think it could be hurt any more worse than it is right now," Reed said. "It's just one of those things where I might have to go through the pain for a little bit."

Receiver DeSean Jackson understands. Having previously dealt with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, Jackson called it "a pain in the butt" and a tough injury that can have significant effects.

"It's just different movements, raising or reaching for the ball or trying to block," Jackson said. "It's just all types of different areas or angles that you move your shoulder that is going to affect you with that type of injury."

Jackson is dealing with a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder, which he tweaked while running a route at practice Monday. He missed the Redskins' Nov. 13 game versus Minnesota with the injury but has resigned himself to gutting it out until the season is over.

He'll continue to rest it and get treatment as needed.

"It's something that I've got to deal with throughout the rest of the season," Jackson said. "It's an injury that's really not going to get better while I'm playing. It'll be all right."

For what it's worth, Reed now has 2,546 receiving yards. He ranks fourth all-time in receiving yards among Redskins tight ends in just his fourth season. Jackson caught a 67-yard touchdown against Dallas. It was the 21st of his career of 60 yards or more. That ranks second in NFL history. Only four players in league history have caught more 50-yard touchdown passes than Jackson (25). ...

Otherwise, two starters on the offensive line also suffered injuries. Right guard Brandon Scherff sprained an ankle but returned to finish the game, as did left guard Shawn Lauvao, who sprained a wrist. Right tackle Morgan Moses has been playing on a sprained ankle for the last three weeks.

I'll continue to follow up on Reed, who was not practicing Wednesday, and Jackson in coming days; watch the Late-Breaking Update section for more. ...

Meanwhile, the Redskins are all but finished in the NFC title chase. The Cowboys (10-1) have run away with that one. But things continued to break well for Washington in the race to secure one of the two NFC wild-card spots. The Redskins watched Detroit (7-4) -- a team it lost to in October -- take control of the NFC North on Thursday with a win over Minnesota (6-5) -- a team it beat earlier in November.

Entering Sunday's game at Arizona, Washington will be in full control of its own destiny with five games left.

The Redskins still play the current No. 5 seed New York Giants (7-3), No. 9 Philadelphia (5-5), No. 10 Arizona (4-5-1) and No. 12 Carolina (4-6) and at worst will have a half-game lead for the No. 6 and final playoff spot.

But they have some issues.

As the Sports Xchange notes, the Redskins' prolific offense continues to leave points on the board thanks to a red-zone percentage that ranks 28th in the NFL. Washington converted just two of five chances in the loss to Dallas and kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two more field-goal attempts (55, 43).

It will continue to haunt them against the better teams on the schedule.

Washington even turned to a wildcat play with running back Robert Kelley in the second quarter that failed. That direct snap wasn't something it had tried at all this season. The Redskins had drives stall at the 25 (missed field goal), the six (field goal), the 38 (missed field goal) and the two (field goal). Grand total: Six points.

"It's something that is a glaring weakness of this football team right now offensively. ... But maybe the only weakness that we have," Gruden said. "Pass protection has been outstanding. The completion percentage is outstanding. The lack of interceptions and turnovers has been outstanding. We just have struggled in the red zone for whatever reason and defenses have a lot to do with that, execution and play-calling. That's what it is. ..."

Other notes of interest. ... After a total of 321 rushing yards in his first three NFL starts, Kelley managed just 37 against a Cowboys front that did a lot of stunting and shifting. Chris Thompson added just 17 yards on four carries and there were more tackles in the backfield than usual. It didn't help that Washington was chasing the game almost from the start after falling behind 7-0 on the opening drive.

And finally. ... Cousins was just the fifth quarterback this season to have over 400 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a game.


DEPTH CHART
QBs: Zach Wilson, Trevor Siemian, Aaron Rodgers
RBs: Breece Hall, Dalvin Cook, Israel Abanikanda
WRs: Garrett Wilson, Xavier Gipson, Jason Brownlee, Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, Charles Irvin
TEs: Tyler Conklin, Jeremy Ruckert, C.J. Uzomah, Kenny Yeboah

Oakland Raiders

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 30 November 2016

Tight end Jordan Reed estimated he has only 30 percent range of motion in his sprained left shoulder but hasn't ruled out playing Sunday at the Cardinals.

Reed didn't practice Monday with what he said was a Grade 3 sprain of the AC joint in his left shoulder. That means he tore two ligaments in that shoulder during a 31-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, though he returned and played through pain.

After struggling to put a basketball jersey on over his head, the Redskins' top offensive target said he was having discomfort that was making daily tasks and sleeping difficult. The 26-year-old decided against putting his shoulder in a sling because he's trying to keep it strong and moving in the hopes of getting back on the field when the Redskins (6-4-1) visit Arizona.

"If I go out there I've just got to make sure it's ready to go," Reed said. "They're not going to try to put me out there unless I've got strength in my arm and I can move it and things like that. If I'm able to do that I'm going to play, if not then I can't play."

As Washington Post staffer Liz Clarke noted, the 6-2, 246-pound Reed is a crucial element of the Redskins' passing game, which is the strength of the team as it battles for a spot in the playoffs. Reed has caught a team-high 59 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns.

He is also among the more determined competitors and returned to the field last Thursday afternoon, to the surprise of Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins, and caught two of the Redskins' three fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Despite missing a portion of the second quarter, Reed finished with a game-high 10 receptions (on 12 targets) for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

In that game, Reed was reduced to being only a receiver because his shoulder wasn't strong enough to block. That could be the case against the Cardinals (6-4-1), too, even if Reed can withstand the pain of lifting his arm to make catches.

Reed said rest, not surgery, was the only option and doesn't think playing through the injury will make it worse.

"I don't think it could be hurt any more worse than it is right now," Reed said. "It's just one of those things where I might have to go through the pain for a little bit."

Receiver DeSean Jackson understands. Having previously dealt with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, Jackson called it "a pain in the butt" and a tough injury that can have significant effects.

"It's just different movements, raising or reaching for the ball or trying to block," Jackson said. "It's just all types of different areas or angles that you move your shoulder that is going to affect you with that type of injury."

Jackson is dealing with a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder, which he tweaked while running a route at practice Monday. He missed the Redskins' Nov. 13 game versus Minnesota with the injury but has resigned himself to gutting it out until the season is over.

He'll continue to rest it and get treatment as needed.

"It's something that I've got to deal with throughout the rest of the season," Jackson said. "It's an injury that's really not going to get better while I'm playing. It'll be all right."

For what it's worth, Reed now has 2,546 receiving yards. He ranks fourth all-time in receiving yards among Redskins tight ends in just his fourth season. Jackson caught a 67-yard touchdown against Dallas. It was the 21st of his career of 60 yards or more. That ranks second in NFL history. Only four players in league history have caught more 50-yard touchdown passes than Jackson (25). ...

Otherwise, two starters on the offensive line also suffered injuries. Right guard Brandon Scherff sprained an ankle but returned to finish the game, as did left guard Shawn Lauvao, who sprained a wrist. Right tackle Morgan Moses has been playing on a sprained ankle for the last three weeks.

I'll continue to follow up on Reed, who was not practicing Wednesday, and Jackson in coming days; watch the Late-Breaking Update section for more. ...

Meanwhile, the Redskins are all but finished in the NFC title chase. The Cowboys (10-1) have run away with that one. But things continued to break well for Washington in the race to secure one of the two NFC wild-card spots. The Redskins watched Detroit (7-4) -- a team it lost to in October -- take control of the NFC North on Thursday with a win over Minnesota (6-5) -- a team it beat earlier in November.

Entering Sunday's game at Arizona, Washington will be in full control of its own destiny with five games left.

The Redskins still play the current No. 5 seed New York Giants (7-3), No. 9 Philadelphia (5-5), No. 10 Arizona (4-5-1) and No. 12 Carolina (4-6) and at worst will have a half-game lead for the No. 6 and final playoff spot.

But they have some issues.

As the Sports Xchange notes, the Redskins' prolific offense continues to leave points on the board thanks to a red-zone percentage that ranks 28th in the NFL. Washington converted just two of five chances in the loss to Dallas and kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two more field-goal attempts (55, 43).

It will continue to haunt them against the better teams on the schedule.

Washington even turned to a wildcat play with running back Robert Kelley in the second quarter that failed. That direct snap wasn't something it had tried at all this season. The Redskins had drives stall at the 25 (missed field goal), the six (field goal), the 38 (missed field goal) and the two (field goal). Grand total: Six points.

"It's something that is a glaring weakness of this football team right now offensively. ... But maybe the only weakness that we have," Gruden said. "Pass protection has been outstanding. The completion percentage is outstanding. The lack of interceptions and turnovers has been outstanding. We just have struggled in the red zone for whatever reason and defenses have a lot to do with that, execution and play-calling. That's what it is. ..."

Other notes of interest. ... After a total of 321 rushing yards in his first three NFL starts, Kelley managed just 37 against a Cowboys front that did a lot of stunting and shifting. Chris Thompson added just 17 yards on four carries and there were more tackles in the backfield than usual. It didn't help that Washington was chasing the game almost from the start after falling behind 7-0 on the opening drive.

And finally. ... Cousins was just the fifth quarterback this season to have over 400 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a game.


DEPTH CHART
QBs: Aidan O'Connell, Jimmy Garoppolo, Brian Hoyer
RBs: Josh Jacobs, Zamir White, Ameer Abdullah, Brandon Bolden
WRs: Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker, Hunter Renfrow, DeAndre Carter, Kristian Wilkerson
TEs: Michael Mayer, Austin Hooper, Jesper Horsted

Philadelphia Eagles

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 30 November 2016

Tight end Jordan Reed estimated he has only 30 percent range of motion in his sprained left shoulder but hasn't ruled out playing Sunday at the Cardinals.

Reed didn't practice Monday with what he said was a Grade 3 sprain of the AC joint in his left shoulder. That means he tore two ligaments in that shoulder during a 31-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, though he returned and played through pain.

After struggling to put a basketball jersey on over his head, the Redskins' top offensive target said he was having discomfort that was making daily tasks and sleeping difficult. The 26-year-old decided against putting his shoulder in a sling because he's trying to keep it strong and moving in the hopes of getting back on the field when the Redskins (6-4-1) visit Arizona.

"If I go out there I've just got to make sure it's ready to go," Reed said. "They're not going to try to put me out there unless I've got strength in my arm and I can move it and things like that. If I'm able to do that I'm going to play, if not then I can't play."

As Washington Post staffer Liz Clarke noted, the 6-2, 246-pound Reed is a crucial element of the Redskins' passing game, which is the strength of the team as it battles for a spot in the playoffs. Reed has caught a team-high 59 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns.

He is also among the more determined competitors and returned to the field last Thursday afternoon, to the surprise of Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins, and caught two of the Redskins' three fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Despite missing a portion of the second quarter, Reed finished with a game-high 10 receptions (on 12 targets) for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

In that game, Reed was reduced to being only a receiver because his shoulder wasn't strong enough to block. That could be the case against the Cardinals (6-4-1), too, even if Reed can withstand the pain of lifting his arm to make catches.

Reed said rest, not surgery, was the only option and doesn't think playing through the injury will make it worse.

"I don't think it could be hurt any more worse than it is right now," Reed said. "It's just one of those things where I might have to go through the pain for a little bit."

Receiver DeSean Jackson understands. Having previously dealt with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, Jackson called it "a pain in the butt" and a tough injury that can have significant effects.

"It's just different movements, raising or reaching for the ball or trying to block," Jackson said. "It's just all types of different areas or angles that you move your shoulder that is going to affect you with that type of injury."

Jackson is dealing with a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder, which he tweaked while running a route at practice Monday. He missed the Redskins' Nov. 13 game versus Minnesota with the injury but has resigned himself to gutting it out until the season is over.

He'll continue to rest it and get treatment as needed.

"It's something that I've got to deal with throughout the rest of the season," Jackson said. "It's an injury that's really not going to get better while I'm playing. It'll be all right."

For what it's worth, Reed now has 2,546 receiving yards. He ranks fourth all-time in receiving yards among Redskins tight ends in just his fourth season. Jackson caught a 67-yard touchdown against Dallas. It was the 21st of his career of 60 yards or more. That ranks second in NFL history. Only four players in league history have caught more 50-yard touchdown passes than Jackson (25). ...

Otherwise, two starters on the offensive line also suffered injuries. Right guard Brandon Scherff sprained an ankle but returned to finish the game, as did left guard Shawn Lauvao, who sprained a wrist. Right tackle Morgan Moses has been playing on a sprained ankle for the last three weeks.

I'll continue to follow up on Reed, who was not practicing Wednesday, and Jackson in coming days; watch the Late-Breaking Update section for more. ...

Meanwhile, the Redskins are all but finished in the NFC title chase. The Cowboys (10-1) have run away with that one. But things continued to break well for Washington in the race to secure one of the two NFC wild-card spots. The Redskins watched Detroit (7-4) -- a team it lost to in October -- take control of the NFC North on Thursday with a win over Minnesota (6-5) -- a team it beat earlier in November.

Entering Sunday's game at Arizona, Washington will be in full control of its own destiny with five games left.

The Redskins still play the current No. 5 seed New York Giants (7-3), No. 9 Philadelphia (5-5), No. 10 Arizona (4-5-1) and No. 12 Carolina (4-6) and at worst will have a half-game lead for the No. 6 and final playoff spot.

But they have some issues.

As the Sports Xchange notes, the Redskins' prolific offense continues to leave points on the board thanks to a red-zone percentage that ranks 28th in the NFL. Washington converted just two of five chances in the loss to Dallas and kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two more field-goal attempts (55, 43).

It will continue to haunt them against the better teams on the schedule.

Washington even turned to a wildcat play with running back Robert Kelley in the second quarter that failed. That direct snap wasn't something it had tried at all this season. The Redskins had drives stall at the 25 (missed field goal), the six (field goal), the 38 (missed field goal) and the two (field goal). Grand total: Six points.

"It's something that is a glaring weakness of this football team right now offensively. ... But maybe the only weakness that we have," Gruden said. "Pass protection has been outstanding. The completion percentage is outstanding. The lack of interceptions and turnovers has been outstanding. We just have struggled in the red zone for whatever reason and defenses have a lot to do with that, execution and play-calling. That's what it is. ..."

Other notes of interest. ... After a total of 321 rushing yards in his first three NFL starts, Kelley managed just 37 against a Cowboys front that did a lot of stunting and shifting. Chris Thompson added just 17 yards on four carries and there were more tackles in the backfield than usual. It didn't help that Washington was chasing the game almost from the start after falling behind 7-0 on the opening drive.

And finally. ... Cousins was just the fifth quarterback this season to have over 400 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a game.


DEPTH CHART
QBs: Jalen Hurts, Marcus Mariota, Tanner McKee
RBs: D'Andre Swift, Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott, Rashaad Penny
WRs: A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Julio Jones, Olamide Zaccheaus, Quez Watkins
TEs: Dallas Goedert, Jack Stoll, Grant Calcaterra, Albert Okwuegbunam

Pittsburgh Steelers

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 30 November 2016

Tight end Jordan Reed estimated he has only 30 percent range of motion in his sprained left shoulder but hasn't ruled out playing Sunday at the Cardinals.

Reed didn't practice Monday with what he said was a Grade 3 sprain of the AC joint in his left shoulder. That means he tore two ligaments in that shoulder during a 31-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, though he returned and played through pain.

After struggling to put a basketball jersey on over his head, the Redskins' top offensive target said he was having discomfort that was making daily tasks and sleeping difficult. The 26-year-old decided against putting his shoulder in a sling because he's trying to keep it strong and moving in the hopes of getting back on the field when the Redskins (6-4-1) visit Arizona.

"If I go out there I've just got to make sure it's ready to go," Reed said. "They're not going to try to put me out there unless I've got strength in my arm and I can move it and things like that. If I'm able to do that I'm going to play, if not then I can't play."

As Washington Post staffer Liz Clarke noted, the 6-2, 246-pound Reed is a crucial element of the Redskins' passing game, which is the strength of the team as it battles for a spot in the playoffs. Reed has caught a team-high 59 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns.

He is also among the more determined competitors and returned to the field last Thursday afternoon, to the surprise of Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins, and caught two of the Redskins' three fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Despite missing a portion of the second quarter, Reed finished with a game-high 10 receptions (on 12 targets) for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

In that game, Reed was reduced to being only a receiver because his shoulder wasn't strong enough to block. That could be the case against the Cardinals (6-4-1), too, even if Reed can withstand the pain of lifting his arm to make catches.

Reed said rest, not surgery, was the only option and doesn't think playing through the injury will make it worse.

"I don't think it could be hurt any more worse than it is right now," Reed said. "It's just one of those things where I might have to go through the pain for a little bit."

Receiver DeSean Jackson understands. Having previously dealt with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, Jackson called it "a pain in the butt" and a tough injury that can have significant effects.

"It's just different movements, raising or reaching for the ball or trying to block," Jackson said. "It's just all types of different areas or angles that you move your shoulder that is going to affect you with that type of injury."

Jackson is dealing with a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder, which he tweaked while running a route at practice Monday. He missed the Redskins' Nov. 13 game versus Minnesota with the injury but has resigned himself to gutting it out until the season is over.

He'll continue to rest it and get treatment as needed.

"It's something that I've got to deal with throughout the rest of the season," Jackson said. "It's an injury that's really not going to get better while I'm playing. It'll be all right."

For what it's worth, Reed now has 2,546 receiving yards. He ranks fourth all-time in receiving yards among Redskins tight ends in just his fourth season. Jackson caught a 67-yard touchdown against Dallas. It was the 21st of his career of 60 yards or more. That ranks second in NFL history. Only four players in league history have caught more 50-yard touchdown passes than Jackson (25). ...

Otherwise, two starters on the offensive line also suffered injuries. Right guard Brandon Scherff sprained an ankle but returned to finish the game, as did left guard Shawn Lauvao, who sprained a wrist. Right tackle Morgan Moses has been playing on a sprained ankle for the last three weeks.

I'll continue to follow up on Reed, who was not practicing Wednesday, and Jackson in coming days; watch the Late-Breaking Update section for more. ...

Meanwhile, the Redskins are all but finished in the NFC title chase. The Cowboys (10-1) have run away with that one. But things continued to break well for Washington in the race to secure one of the two NFC wild-card spots. The Redskins watched Detroit (7-4) -- a team it lost to in October -- take control of the NFC North on Thursday with a win over Minnesota (6-5) -- a team it beat earlier in November.

Entering Sunday's game at Arizona, Washington will be in full control of its own destiny with five games left.

The Redskins still play the current No. 5 seed New York Giants (7-3), No. 9 Philadelphia (5-5), No. 10 Arizona (4-5-1) and No. 12 Carolina (4-6) and at worst will have a half-game lead for the No. 6 and final playoff spot.

But they have some issues.

As the Sports Xchange notes, the Redskins' prolific offense continues to leave points on the board thanks to a red-zone percentage that ranks 28th in the NFL. Washington converted just two of five chances in the loss to Dallas and kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two more field-goal attempts (55, 43).

It will continue to haunt them against the better teams on the schedule.

Washington even turned to a wildcat play with running back Robert Kelley in the second quarter that failed. That direct snap wasn't something it had tried at all this season. The Redskins had drives stall at the 25 (missed field goal), the six (field goal), the 38 (missed field goal) and the two (field goal). Grand total: Six points.

"It's something that is a glaring weakness of this football team right now offensively. ... But maybe the only weakness that we have," Gruden said. "Pass protection has been outstanding. The completion percentage is outstanding. The lack of interceptions and turnovers has been outstanding. We just have struggled in the red zone for whatever reason and defenses have a lot to do with that, execution and play-calling. That's what it is. ..."

Other notes of interest. ... After a total of 321 rushing yards in his first three NFL starts, Kelley managed just 37 against a Cowboys front that did a lot of stunting and shifting. Chris Thompson added just 17 yards on four carries and there were more tackles in the backfield than usual. It didn't help that Washington was chasing the game almost from the start after falling behind 7-0 on the opening drive.

And finally. ... Cousins was just the fifth quarterback this season to have over 400 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a game.


DEPTH CHART
QBs: Mason Rudolph, Mitchell Trubisky, Kenny Pickett
RBs: Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Anthony McFarland Jr.
WRs: George Pickens, Diontae Johnson, Allen Robinson, Calvin Austin III, Miles Boykin
TEs: Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington

San Diego Chargers

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 30 November 2016

Tight end Jordan Reed estimated he has only 30 percent range of motion in his sprained left shoulder but hasn't ruled out playing Sunday at the Cardinals.

Reed didn't practice Monday with what he said was a Grade 3 sprain of the AC joint in his left shoulder. That means he tore two ligaments in that shoulder during a 31-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, though he returned and played through pain.

After struggling to put a basketball jersey on over his head, the Redskins' top offensive target said he was having discomfort that was making daily tasks and sleeping difficult. The 26-year-old decided against putting his shoulder in a sling because he's trying to keep it strong and moving in the hopes of getting back on the field when the Redskins (6-4-1) visit Arizona.

"If I go out there I've just got to make sure it's ready to go," Reed said. "They're not going to try to put me out there unless I've got strength in my arm and I can move it and things like that. If I'm able to do that I'm going to play, if not then I can't play."

As Washington Post staffer Liz Clarke noted, the 6-2, 246-pound Reed is a crucial element of the Redskins' passing game, which is the strength of the team as it battles for a spot in the playoffs. Reed has caught a team-high 59 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns.

He is also among the more determined competitors and returned to the field last Thursday afternoon, to the surprise of Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins, and caught two of the Redskins' three fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Despite missing a portion of the second quarter, Reed finished with a game-high 10 receptions (on 12 targets) for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

In that game, Reed was reduced to being only a receiver because his shoulder wasn't strong enough to block. That could be the case against the Cardinals (6-4-1), too, even if Reed can withstand the pain of lifting his arm to make catches.

Reed said rest, not surgery, was the only option and doesn't think playing through the injury will make it worse.

"I don't think it could be hurt any more worse than it is right now," Reed said. "It's just one of those things where I might have to go through the pain for a little bit."

Receiver DeSean Jackson understands. Having previously dealt with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, Jackson called it "a pain in the butt" and a tough injury that can have significant effects.

"It's just different movements, raising or reaching for the ball or trying to block," Jackson said. "It's just all types of different areas or angles that you move your shoulder that is going to affect you with that type of injury."

Jackson is dealing with a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder, which he tweaked while running a route at practice Monday. He missed the Redskins' Nov. 13 game versus Minnesota with the injury but has resigned himself to gutting it out until the season is over.

He'll continue to rest it and get treatment as needed.

"It's something that I've got to deal with throughout the rest of the season," Jackson said. "It's an injury that's really not going to get better while I'm playing. It'll be all right."

For what it's worth, Reed now has 2,546 receiving yards. He ranks fourth all-time in receiving yards among Redskins tight ends in just his fourth season. Jackson caught a 67-yard touchdown against Dallas. It was the 21st of his career of 60 yards or more. That ranks second in NFL history. Only four players in league history have caught more 50-yard touchdown passes than Jackson (25). ...

Otherwise, two starters on the offensive line also suffered injuries. Right guard Brandon Scherff sprained an ankle but returned to finish the game, as did left guard Shawn Lauvao, who sprained a wrist. Right tackle Morgan Moses has been playing on a sprained ankle for the last three weeks.

I'll continue to follow up on Reed, who was not practicing Wednesday, and Jackson in coming days; watch the Late-Breaking Update section for more. ...

Meanwhile, the Redskins are all but finished in the NFC title chase. The Cowboys (10-1) have run away with that one. But things continued to break well for Washington in the race to secure one of the two NFC wild-card spots. The Redskins watched Detroit (7-4) -- a team it lost to in October -- take control of the NFC North on Thursday with a win over Minnesota (6-5) -- a team it beat earlier in November.

Entering Sunday's game at Arizona, Washington will be in full control of its own destiny with five games left.

The Redskins still play the current No. 5 seed New York Giants (7-3), No. 9 Philadelphia (5-5), No. 10 Arizona (4-5-1) and No. 12 Carolina (4-6) and at worst will have a half-game lead for the No. 6 and final playoff spot.

But they have some issues.

As the Sports Xchange notes, the Redskins' prolific offense continues to leave points on the board thanks to a red-zone percentage that ranks 28th in the NFL. Washington converted just two of five chances in the loss to Dallas and kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two more field-goal attempts (55, 43).

It will continue to haunt them against the better teams on the schedule.

Washington even turned to a wildcat play with running back Robert Kelley in the second quarter that failed. That direct snap wasn't something it had tried at all this season. The Redskins had drives stall at the 25 (missed field goal), the six (field goal), the 38 (missed field goal) and the two (field goal). Grand total: Six points.

"It's something that is a glaring weakness of this football team right now offensively. ... But maybe the only weakness that we have," Gruden said. "Pass protection has been outstanding. The completion percentage is outstanding. The lack of interceptions and turnovers has been outstanding. We just have struggled in the red zone for whatever reason and defenses have a lot to do with that, execution and play-calling. That's what it is. ..."

Other notes of interest. ... After a total of 321 rushing yards in his first three NFL starts, Kelley managed just 37 against a Cowboys front that did a lot of stunting and shifting. Chris Thompson added just 17 yards on four carries and there were more tackles in the backfield than usual. It didn't help that Washington was chasing the game almost from the start after falling behind 7-0 on the opening drive.

And finally. ... Cousins was just the fifth quarterback this season to have over 400 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a game.


DEPTH CHART
QBs: Easton Stick, Justin Herbert
RBs: Austin Ekeler, Joshua Kelley, Isaiah Spiller, Elijah Dotson
WRs: Keenan Allen, Josh Palmer, Quentin Johnston, Jalen Guyton, Derius Davis, Mike Williams
TEs: Gerald Everett, Donald Parham, Stone Smartt

San Francisco 49ers

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 30 November 2016

Tight end Jordan Reed estimated he has only 30 percent range of motion in his sprained left shoulder but hasn't ruled out playing Sunday at the Cardinals.

Reed didn't practice Monday with what he said was a Grade 3 sprain of the AC joint in his left shoulder. That means he tore two ligaments in that shoulder during a 31-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, though he returned and played through pain.

After struggling to put a basketball jersey on over his head, the Redskins' top offensive target said he was having discomfort that was making daily tasks and sleeping difficult. The 26-year-old decided against putting his shoulder in a sling because he's trying to keep it strong and moving in the hopes of getting back on the field when the Redskins (6-4-1) visit Arizona.

"If I go out there I've just got to make sure it's ready to go," Reed said. "They're not going to try to put me out there unless I've got strength in my arm and I can move it and things like that. If I'm able to do that I'm going to play, if not then I can't play."

As Washington Post staffer Liz Clarke noted, the 6-2, 246-pound Reed is a crucial element of the Redskins' passing game, which is the strength of the team as it battles for a spot in the playoffs. Reed has caught a team-high 59 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns.

He is also among the more determined competitors and returned to the field last Thursday afternoon, to the surprise of Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins, and caught two of the Redskins' three fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Despite missing a portion of the second quarter, Reed finished with a game-high 10 receptions (on 12 targets) for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

In that game, Reed was reduced to being only a receiver because his shoulder wasn't strong enough to block. That could be the case against the Cardinals (6-4-1), too, even if Reed can withstand the pain of lifting his arm to make catches.

Reed said rest, not surgery, was the only option and doesn't think playing through the injury will make it worse.

"I don't think it could be hurt any more worse than it is right now," Reed said. "It's just one of those things where I might have to go through the pain for a little bit."

Receiver DeSean Jackson understands. Having previously dealt with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, Jackson called it "a pain in the butt" and a tough injury that can have significant effects.

"It's just different movements, raising or reaching for the ball or trying to block," Jackson said. "It's just all types of different areas or angles that you move your shoulder that is going to affect you with that type of injury."

Jackson is dealing with a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder, which he tweaked while running a route at practice Monday. He missed the Redskins' Nov. 13 game versus Minnesota with the injury but has resigned himself to gutting it out until the season is over.

He'll continue to rest it and get treatment as needed.

"It's something that I've got to deal with throughout the rest of the season," Jackson said. "It's an injury that's really not going to get better while I'm playing. It'll be all right."

For what it's worth, Reed now has 2,546 receiving yards. He ranks fourth all-time in receiving yards among Redskins tight ends in just his fourth season. Jackson caught a 67-yard touchdown against Dallas. It was the 21st of his career of 60 yards or more. That ranks second in NFL history. Only four players in league history have caught more 50-yard touchdown passes than Jackson (25). ...

Otherwise, two starters on the offensive line also suffered injuries. Right guard Brandon Scherff sprained an ankle but returned to finish the game, as did left guard Shawn Lauvao, who sprained a wrist. Right tackle Morgan Moses has been playing on a sprained ankle for the last three weeks.

I'll continue to follow up on Reed, who was not practicing Wednesday, and Jackson in coming days; watch the Late-Breaking Update section for more. ...

Meanwhile, the Redskins are all but finished in the NFC title chase. The Cowboys (10-1) have run away with that one. But things continued to break well for Washington in the race to secure one of the two NFC wild-card spots. The Redskins watched Detroit (7-4) -- a team it lost to in October -- take control of the NFC North on Thursday with a win over Minnesota (6-5) -- a team it beat earlier in November.

Entering Sunday's game at Arizona, Washington will be in full control of its own destiny with five games left.

The Redskins still play the current No. 5 seed New York Giants (7-3), No. 9 Philadelphia (5-5), No. 10 Arizona (4-5-1) and No. 12 Carolina (4-6) and at worst will have a half-game lead for the No. 6 and final playoff spot.

But they have some issues.

As the Sports Xchange notes, the Redskins' prolific offense continues to leave points on the board thanks to a red-zone percentage that ranks 28th in the NFL. Washington converted just two of five chances in the loss to Dallas and kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two more field-goal attempts (55, 43).

It will continue to haunt them against the better teams on the schedule.

Washington even turned to a wildcat play with running back Robert Kelley in the second quarter that failed. That direct snap wasn't something it had tried at all this season. The Redskins had drives stall at the 25 (missed field goal), the six (field goal), the 38 (missed field goal) and the two (field goal). Grand total: Six points.

"It's something that is a glaring weakness of this football team right now offensively. ... But maybe the only weakness that we have," Gruden said. "Pass protection has been outstanding. The completion percentage is outstanding. The lack of interceptions and turnovers has been outstanding. We just have struggled in the red zone for whatever reason and defenses have a lot to do with that, execution and play-calling. That's what it is. ..."

Other notes of interest. ... After a total of 321 rushing yards in his first three NFL starts, Kelley managed just 37 against a Cowboys front that did a lot of stunting and shifting. Chris Thompson added just 17 yards on four carries and there were more tackles in the backfield than usual. It didn't help that Washington was chasing the game almost from the start after falling behind 7-0 on the opening drive.

And finally. ... Cousins was just the fifth quarterback this season to have over 400 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a game.


DEPTH CHART
QBs: Brock Purdy, Sam Darnold, Brandon Allen
RBs: Christian McCaffrey, Elijah Mitchell, Jordan Mason, Kyle Juszczyk
WRs: Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings, Ray-Ray McCloud, Ronnie Bell, Danny Gray
TEs: George Kittle, Charlie Woerner, Brayden Willis, Ross Dwelley, Cameron Latu

Seattle Seahawks

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 30 November 2016

Tight end Jordan Reed estimated he has only 30 percent range of motion in his sprained left shoulder but hasn't ruled out playing Sunday at the Cardinals.

Reed didn't practice Monday with what he said was a Grade 3 sprain of the AC joint in his left shoulder. That means he tore two ligaments in that shoulder during a 31-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, though he returned and played through pain.

After struggling to put a basketball jersey on over his head, the Redskins' top offensive target said he was having discomfort that was making daily tasks and sleeping difficult. The 26-year-old decided against putting his shoulder in a sling because he's trying to keep it strong and moving in the hopes of getting back on the field when the Redskins (6-4-1) visit Arizona.

"If I go out there I've just got to make sure it's ready to go," Reed said. "They're not going to try to put me out there unless I've got strength in my arm and I can move it and things like that. If I'm able to do that I'm going to play, if not then I can't play."

As Washington Post staffer Liz Clarke noted, the 6-2, 246-pound Reed is a crucial element of the Redskins' passing game, which is the strength of the team as it battles for a spot in the playoffs. Reed has caught a team-high 59 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns.

He is also among the more determined competitors and returned to the field last Thursday afternoon, to the surprise of Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins, and caught two of the Redskins' three fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Despite missing a portion of the second quarter, Reed finished with a game-high 10 receptions (on 12 targets) for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

In that game, Reed was reduced to being only a receiver because his shoulder wasn't strong enough to block. That could be the case against the Cardinals (6-4-1), too, even if Reed can withstand the pain of lifting his arm to make catches.

Reed said rest, not surgery, was the only option and doesn't think playing through the injury will make it worse.

"I don't think it could be hurt any more worse than it is right now," Reed said. "It's just one of those things where I might have to go through the pain for a little bit."

Receiver DeSean Jackson understands. Having previously dealt with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, Jackson called it "a pain in the butt" and a tough injury that can have significant effects.

"It's just different movements, raising or reaching for the ball or trying to block," Jackson said. "It's just all types of different areas or angles that you move your shoulder that is going to affect you with that type of injury."

Jackson is dealing with a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder, which he tweaked while running a route at practice Monday. He missed the Redskins' Nov. 13 game versus Minnesota with the injury but has resigned himself to gutting it out until the season is over.

He'll continue to rest it and get treatment as needed.

"It's something that I've got to deal with throughout the rest of the season," Jackson said. "It's an injury that's really not going to get better while I'm playing. It'll be all right."

For what it's worth, Reed now has 2,546 receiving yards. He ranks fourth all-time in receiving yards among Redskins tight ends in just his fourth season. Jackson caught a 67-yard touchdown against Dallas. It was the 21st of his career of 60 yards or more. That ranks second in NFL history. Only four players in league history have caught more 50-yard touchdown passes than Jackson (25). ...

Otherwise, two starters on the offensive line also suffered injuries. Right guard Brandon Scherff sprained an ankle but returned to finish the game, as did left guard Shawn Lauvao, who sprained a wrist. Right tackle Morgan Moses has been playing on a sprained ankle for the last three weeks.

I'll continue to follow up on Reed, who was not practicing Wednesday, and Jackson in coming days; watch the Late-Breaking Update section for more. ...

Meanwhile, the Redskins are all but finished in the NFC title chase. The Cowboys (10-1) have run away with that one. But things continued to break well for Washington in the race to secure one of the two NFC wild-card spots. The Redskins watched Detroit (7-4) -- a team it lost to in October -- take control of the NFC North on Thursday with a win over Minnesota (6-5) -- a team it beat earlier in November.

Entering Sunday's game at Arizona, Washington will be in full control of its own destiny with five games left.

The Redskins still play the current No. 5 seed New York Giants (7-3), No. 9 Philadelphia (5-5), No. 10 Arizona (4-5-1) and No. 12 Carolina (4-6) and at worst will have a half-game lead for the No. 6 and final playoff spot.

But they have some issues.

As the Sports Xchange notes, the Redskins' prolific offense continues to leave points on the board thanks to a red-zone percentage that ranks 28th in the NFL. Washington converted just two of five chances in the loss to Dallas and kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two more field-goal attempts (55, 43).

It will continue to haunt them against the better teams on the schedule.

Washington even turned to a wildcat play with running back Robert Kelley in the second quarter that failed. That direct snap wasn't something it had tried at all this season. The Redskins had drives stall at the 25 (missed field goal), the six (field goal), the 38 (missed field goal) and the two (field goal). Grand total: Six points.

"It's something that is a glaring weakness of this football team right now offensively. ... But maybe the only weakness that we have," Gruden said. "Pass protection has been outstanding. The completion percentage is outstanding. The lack of interceptions and turnovers has been outstanding. We just have struggled in the red zone for whatever reason and defenses have a lot to do with that, execution and play-calling. That's what it is. ..."

Other notes of interest. ... After a total of 321 rushing yards in his first three NFL starts, Kelley managed just 37 against a Cowboys front that did a lot of stunting and shifting. Chris Thompson added just 17 yards on four carries and there were more tackles in the backfield than usual. It didn't help that Washington was chasing the game almost from the start after falling behind 7-0 on the opening drive.

And finally. ... Cousins was just the fifth quarterback this season to have over 400 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a game.


DEPTH CHART
QBs: Geno Smith, Drew Lock
RBs: Kenneth Walker III, Zach Charbonnet, DeeJay Dallas, Kenny McIntosh
WRs: DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Jake Bobo, Cody Thompson, Dareke Young
TEs: Noah Fant, Will Dissly, Colby Parkinson

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 30 November 2016

Tight end Jordan Reed estimated he has only 30 percent range of motion in his sprained left shoulder but hasn't ruled out playing Sunday at the Cardinals.

Reed didn't practice Monday with what he said was a Grade 3 sprain of the AC joint in his left shoulder. That means he tore two ligaments in that shoulder during a 31-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, though he returned and played through pain.

After struggling to put a basketball jersey on over his head, the Redskins' top offensive target said he was having discomfort that was making daily tasks and sleeping difficult. The 26-year-old decided against putting his shoulder in a sling because he's trying to keep it strong and moving in the hopes of getting back on the field when the Redskins (6-4-1) visit Arizona.

"If I go out there I've just got to make sure it's ready to go," Reed said. "They're not going to try to put me out there unless I've got strength in my arm and I can move it and things like that. If I'm able to do that I'm going to play, if not then I can't play."

As Washington Post staffer Liz Clarke noted, the 6-2, 246-pound Reed is a crucial element of the Redskins' passing game, which is the strength of the team as it battles for a spot in the playoffs. Reed has caught a team-high 59 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns.

He is also among the more determined competitors and returned to the field last Thursday afternoon, to the surprise of Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins, and caught two of the Redskins' three fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Despite missing a portion of the second quarter, Reed finished with a game-high 10 receptions (on 12 targets) for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

In that game, Reed was reduced to being only a receiver because his shoulder wasn't strong enough to block. That could be the case against the Cardinals (6-4-1), too, even if Reed can withstand the pain of lifting his arm to make catches.

Reed said rest, not surgery, was the only option and doesn't think playing through the injury will make it worse.

"I don't think it could be hurt any more worse than it is right now," Reed said. "It's just one of those things where I might have to go through the pain for a little bit."

Receiver DeSean Jackson understands. Having previously dealt with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, Jackson called it "a pain in the butt" and a tough injury that can have significant effects.

"It's just different movements, raising or reaching for the ball or trying to block," Jackson said. "It's just all types of different areas or angles that you move your shoulder that is going to affect you with that type of injury."

Jackson is dealing with a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder, which he tweaked while running a route at practice Monday. He missed the Redskins' Nov. 13 game versus Minnesota with the injury but has resigned himself to gutting it out until the season is over.

He'll continue to rest it and get treatment as needed.

"It's something that I've got to deal with throughout the rest of the season," Jackson said. "It's an injury that's really not going to get better while I'm playing. It'll be all right."

For what it's worth, Reed now has 2,546 receiving yards. He ranks fourth all-time in receiving yards among Redskins tight ends in just his fourth season. Jackson caught a 67-yard touchdown against Dallas. It was the 21st of his career of 60 yards or more. That ranks second in NFL history. Only four players in league history have caught more 50-yard touchdown passes than Jackson (25). ...

Otherwise, two starters on the offensive line also suffered injuries. Right guard Brandon Scherff sprained an ankle but returned to finish the game, as did left guard Shawn Lauvao, who sprained a wrist. Right tackle Morgan Moses has been playing on a sprained ankle for the last three weeks.

I'll continue to follow up on Reed, who was not practicing Wednesday, and Jackson in coming days; watch the Late-Breaking Update section for more. ...

Meanwhile, the Redskins are all but finished in the NFC title chase. The Cowboys (10-1) have run away with that one. But things continued to break well for Washington in the race to secure one of the two NFC wild-card spots. The Redskins watched Detroit (7-4) -- a team it lost to in October -- take control of the NFC North on Thursday with a win over Minnesota (6-5) -- a team it beat earlier in November.

Entering Sunday's game at Arizona, Washington will be in full control of its own destiny with five games left.

The Redskins still play the current No. 5 seed New York Giants (7-3), No. 9 Philadelphia (5-5), No. 10 Arizona (4-5-1) and No. 12 Carolina (4-6) and at worst will have a half-game lead for the No. 6 and final playoff spot.

But they have some issues.

As the Sports Xchange notes, the Redskins' prolific offense continues to leave points on the board thanks to a red-zone percentage that ranks 28th in the NFL. Washington converted just two of five chances in the loss to Dallas and kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two more field-goal attempts (55, 43).

It will continue to haunt them against the better teams on the schedule.

Washington even turned to a wildcat play with running back Robert Kelley in the second quarter that failed. That direct snap wasn't something it had tried at all this season. The Redskins had drives stall at the 25 (missed field goal), the six (field goal), the 38 (missed field goal) and the two (field goal). Grand total: Six points.

"It's something that is a glaring weakness of this football team right now offensively. ... But maybe the only weakness that we have," Gruden said. "Pass protection has been outstanding. The completion percentage is outstanding. The lack of interceptions and turnovers has been outstanding. We just have struggled in the red zone for whatever reason and defenses have a lot to do with that, execution and play-calling. That's what it is. ..."

Other notes of interest. ... After a total of 321 rushing yards in his first three NFL starts, Kelley managed just 37 against a Cowboys front that did a lot of stunting and shifting. Chris Thompson added just 17 yards on four carries and there were more tackles in the backfield than usual. It didn't help that Washington was chasing the game almost from the start after falling behind 7-0 on the opening drive.

And finally. ... Cousins was just the fifth quarterback this season to have over 400 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a game.


DEPTH CHART
QBs: Baker Mayfield, Kyle Trask
RBs: Rachaad White, Chase Edmonds, Sean Tucker, Ke'Shawn Vaughn
WRs: Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Trey Palmer, Kaylon Geiger, Deven Thompkins, Rakim Jarrett, Russell Gage
TEs: Cade Otton, Ko Kieft, Payne Durham

Tennessee Titans

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 30 November 2016

Tight end Jordan Reed estimated he has only 30 percent range of motion in his sprained left shoulder but hasn't ruled out playing Sunday at the Cardinals.

Reed didn't practice Monday with what he said was a Grade 3 sprain of the AC joint in his left shoulder. That means he tore two ligaments in that shoulder during a 31-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, though he returned and played through pain.

After struggling to put a basketball jersey on over his head, the Redskins' top offensive target said he was having discomfort that was making daily tasks and sleeping difficult. The 26-year-old decided against putting his shoulder in a sling because he's trying to keep it strong and moving in the hopes of getting back on the field when the Redskins (6-4-1) visit Arizona.

"If I go out there I've just got to make sure it's ready to go," Reed said. "They're not going to try to put me out there unless I've got strength in my arm and I can move it and things like that. If I'm able to do that I'm going to play, if not then I can't play."

As Washington Post staffer Liz Clarke noted, the 6-2, 246-pound Reed is a crucial element of the Redskins' passing game, which is the strength of the team as it battles for a spot in the playoffs. Reed has caught a team-high 59 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns.

He is also among the more determined competitors and returned to the field last Thursday afternoon, to the surprise of Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins, and caught two of the Redskins' three fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Despite missing a portion of the second quarter, Reed finished with a game-high 10 receptions (on 12 targets) for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

In that game, Reed was reduced to being only a receiver because his shoulder wasn't strong enough to block. That could be the case against the Cardinals (6-4-1), too, even if Reed can withstand the pain of lifting his arm to make catches.

Reed said rest, not surgery, was the only option and doesn't think playing through the injury will make it worse.

"I don't think it could be hurt any more worse than it is right now," Reed said. "It's just one of those things where I might have to go through the pain for a little bit."

Receiver DeSean Jackson understands. Having previously dealt with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, Jackson called it "a pain in the butt" and a tough injury that can have significant effects.

"It's just different movements, raising or reaching for the ball or trying to block," Jackson said. "It's just all types of different areas or angles that you move your shoulder that is going to affect you with that type of injury."

Jackson is dealing with a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder, which he tweaked while running a route at practice Monday. He missed the Redskins' Nov. 13 game versus Minnesota with the injury but has resigned himself to gutting it out until the season is over.

He'll continue to rest it and get treatment as needed.

"It's something that I've got to deal with throughout the rest of the season," Jackson said. "It's an injury that's really not going to get better while I'm playing. It'll be all right."

For what it's worth, Reed now has 2,546 receiving yards. He ranks fourth all-time in receiving yards among Redskins tight ends in just his fourth season. Jackson caught a 67-yard touchdown against Dallas. It was the 21st of his career of 60 yards or more. That ranks second in NFL history. Only four players in league history have caught more 50-yard touchdown passes than Jackson (25). ...

Otherwise, two starters on the offensive line also suffered injuries. Right guard Brandon Scherff sprained an ankle but returned to finish the game, as did left guard Shawn Lauvao, who sprained a wrist. Right tackle Morgan Moses has been playing on a sprained ankle for the last three weeks.

I'll continue to follow up on Reed, who was not practicing Wednesday, and Jackson in coming days; watch the Late-Breaking Update section for more. ...

Meanwhile, the Redskins are all but finished in the NFC title chase. The Cowboys (10-1) have run away with that one. But things continued to break well for Washington in the race to secure one of the two NFC wild-card spots. The Redskins watched Detroit (7-4) -- a team it lost to in October -- take control of the NFC North on Thursday with a win over Minnesota (6-5) -- a team it beat earlier in November.

Entering Sunday's game at Arizona, Washington will be in full control of its own destiny with five games left.

The Redskins still play the current No. 5 seed New York Giants (7-3), No. 9 Philadelphia (5-5), No. 10 Arizona (4-5-1) and No. 12 Carolina (4-6) and at worst will have a half-game lead for the No. 6 and final playoff spot.

But they have some issues.

As the Sports Xchange notes, the Redskins' prolific offense continues to leave points on the board thanks to a red-zone percentage that ranks 28th in the NFL. Washington converted just two of five chances in the loss to Dallas and kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two more field-goal attempts (55, 43).

It will continue to haunt them against the better teams on the schedule.

Washington even turned to a wildcat play with running back Robert Kelley in the second quarter that failed. That direct snap wasn't something it had tried at all this season. The Redskins had drives stall at the 25 (missed field goal), the six (field goal), the 38 (missed field goal) and the two (field goal). Grand total: Six points.

"It's something that is a glaring weakness of this football team right now offensively. ... But maybe the only weakness that we have," Gruden said. "Pass protection has been outstanding. The completion percentage is outstanding. The lack of interceptions and turnovers has been outstanding. We just have struggled in the red zone for whatever reason and defenses have a lot to do with that, execution and play-calling. That's what it is. ..."

Other notes of interest. ... After a total of 321 rushing yards in his first three NFL starts, Kelley managed just 37 against a Cowboys front that did a lot of stunting and shifting. Chris Thompson added just 17 yards on four carries and there were more tackles in the backfield than usual. It didn't help that Washington was chasing the game almost from the start after falling behind 7-0 on the opening drive.

And finally. ... Cousins was just the fifth quarterback this season to have over 400 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a game.


DEPTH CHART
QBs: Will Levis, Ryan Tannehill, Malik Willis
RBs: Derrick Henry, Tyjae Spears, Julius Chestnut
WRs: DeAndre Hopkins, Treylon Burks, Nick Westbrook_Ikhine, Kyle Philips, Colton Dowell, Chris Moore
TEs: Chigoziem Okonkwo, Josh Whyle, Trevon Wesco

Washington Redskins

Compiled by FootballDiehards Editor Bob Harris | Updated 30 November 2016

Tight end Jordan Reed estimated he has only 30 percent range of motion in his sprained left shoulder but hasn't ruled out playing Sunday at the Cardinals.

Reed didn't practice Monday with what he said was a Grade 3 sprain of the AC joint in his left shoulder. That means he tore two ligaments in that shoulder during a 31-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, though he returned and played through pain.

After struggling to put a basketball jersey on over his head, the Redskins' top offensive target said he was having discomfort that was making daily tasks and sleeping difficult. The 26-year-old decided against putting his shoulder in a sling because he's trying to keep it strong and moving in the hopes of getting back on the field when the Redskins (6-4-1) visit Arizona.

"If I go out there I've just got to make sure it's ready to go," Reed said. "They're not going to try to put me out there unless I've got strength in my arm and I can move it and things like that. If I'm able to do that I'm going to play, if not then I can't play."

As Washington Post staffer Liz Clarke noted, the 6-2, 246-pound Reed is a crucial element of the Redskins' passing game, which is the strength of the team as it battles for a spot in the playoffs. Reed has caught a team-high 59 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns.

He is also among the more determined competitors and returned to the field last Thursday afternoon, to the surprise of Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins, and caught two of the Redskins' three fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Despite missing a portion of the second quarter, Reed finished with a game-high 10 receptions (on 12 targets) for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

In that game, Reed was reduced to being only a receiver because his shoulder wasn't strong enough to block. That could be the case against the Cardinals (6-4-1), too, even if Reed can withstand the pain of lifting his arm to make catches.

Reed said rest, not surgery, was the only option and doesn't think playing through the injury will make it worse.

"I don't think it could be hurt any more worse than it is right now," Reed said. "It's just one of those things where I might have to go through the pain for a little bit."

Receiver DeSean Jackson understands. Having previously dealt with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, Jackson called it "a pain in the butt" and a tough injury that can have significant effects.

"It's just different movements, raising or reaching for the ball or trying to block," Jackson said. "It's just all types of different areas or angles that you move your shoulder that is going to affect you with that type of injury."

Jackson is dealing with a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder, which he tweaked while running a route at practice Monday. He missed the Redskins' Nov. 13 game versus Minnesota with the injury but has resigned himself to gutting it out until the season is over.

He'll continue to rest it and get treatment as needed.

"It's something that I've got to deal with throughout the rest of the season," Jackson said. "It's an injury that's really not going to get better while I'm playing. It'll be all right."

For what it's worth, Reed now has 2,546 receiving yards. He ranks fourth all-time in receiving yards among Redskins tight ends in just his fourth season. Jackson caught a 67-yard touchdown against Dallas. It was the 21st of his career of 60 yards or more. That ranks second in NFL history. Only four players in league history have caught more 50-yard touchdown passes than Jackson (25). ...

Otherwise, two starters on the offensive line also suffered injuries. Right guard Brandon Scherff sprained an ankle but returned to finish the game, as did left guard Shawn Lauvao, who sprained a wrist. Right tackle Morgan Moses has been playing on a sprained ankle for the last three weeks.

I'll continue to follow up on Reed, who was not practicing Wednesday, and Jackson in coming days; watch the Late-Breaking Update section for more. ...

Meanwhile, the Redskins are all but finished in the NFC title chase. The Cowboys (10-1) have run away with that one. But things continued to break well for Washington in the race to secure one of the two NFC wild-card spots. The Redskins watched Detroit (7-4) -- a team it lost to in October -- take control of the NFC North on Thursday with a win over Minnesota (6-5) -- a team it beat earlier in November.

Entering Sunday's game at Arizona, Washington will be in full control of its own destiny with five games left.

The Redskins still play the current No. 5 seed New York Giants (7-3), No. 9 Philadelphia (5-5), No. 10 Arizona (4-5-1) and No. 12 Carolina (4-6) and at worst will have a half-game lead for the No. 6 and final playoff spot.

But they have some issues.

As the Sports Xchange notes, the Redskins' prolific offense continues to leave points on the board thanks to a red-zone percentage that ranks 28th in the NFL. Washington converted just two of five chances in the loss to Dallas and kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two more field-goal attempts (55, 43).

It will continue to haunt them against the better teams on the schedule.

Washington even turned to a wildcat play with running back Robert Kelley in the second quarter that failed. That direct snap wasn't something it had tried at all this season. The Redskins had drives stall at the 25 (missed field goal), the six (field goal), the 38 (missed field goal) and the two (field goal). Grand total: Six points.

"It's something that is a glaring weakness of this football team right now offensively. ... But maybe the only weakness that we have," Gruden said. "Pass protection has been outstanding. The completion percentage is outstanding. The lack of interceptions and turnovers has been outstanding. We just have struggled in the red zone for whatever reason and defenses have a lot to do with that, execution and play-calling. That's what it is. ..."

Other notes of interest. ... After a total of 321 rushing yards in his first three NFL starts, Kelley managed just 37 against a Cowboys front that did a lot of stunting and shifting. Chris Thompson added just 17 yards on four carries and there were more tackles in the backfield than usual. It didn't help that Washington was chasing the game almost from the start after falling behind 7-0 on the opening drive.

And finally. ... Cousins was just the fifth quarterback this season to have over 400 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a game.


DEPTH CHART
QBs: Sam Howell, Jacoby Brissett
RBs: Brian Robinson Jr., Antonio Gibson, Chris Rodriguez
WRs: Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Curtis Samuel, Dyami Brown, Jamison Crowder, Byron Pringle, Mitchell Tinsley
TEs: Logan Thomas, Cole Turner, John Bates