When he is able to step onto the field, there is no doubting that Washington Redskins’ tight end is one of the most talented at his position. But the problem for the former Florida Gator, now entering his third season has been his ability to stay on the field to flash his skills.
In just two seasons, Reed has already missed 12 games, only playing in 20. In those games he has played, he has played an integral part of the offense, totaling 95 catches – nearly five per game.
He has also been efficient, catching the ball 76% of the time he has been targeted. Last year, none of the five most targeted tight ends in football top 70%, Reed was closer to 80%.
In years before, the Redskins had Logan Paulsen and Niles Paul as insurance policies if – and when – Reed went down with an injury. Unfortunately both Paulsen and Paul are two of five players to suffer season ending injuries during preseason/training camp, leaving the situation after Reed a hodge-podge of undrafted, and unproven players all vying for a spot that realistically didn’t exist not too long ago.
Washington has done what they could, adding several names to the mix – including trading for Derek Carrier from the San Francisco 49ers. With the team’s third preseason on Saturday, which is the ‘dress rehearsal’ for the starters where they will get the most reps, and with Reed’s status still uncertain (he feels he can play), the biggest thing to watch against the Baltimore Ravens will be who, if any, can emerge at the position.
Thus far in the preseason, the tight end position has registered a grand total of three catches (made by Je’Ron Ham and Chase Dixon). All though they are averaging 20 yards per catch, the best way for any one of the group can emerge – is in the trenches.
D.J. Williams was brought in, but despite being drafted into the league known for his receiving skills, he has only nine career catches throughout his career.
Washington has shown signs of having a great power running game this season, and if one of the tight ends is able to separate themselves in that aspect of the game it could be the difference maker for them.
Playing for Jim Harbaugh in San Francisco, Carrier probably has a leg up – and with only nine catches in 15 games played you know he wasn’t on the team to catch the ball.
Most of the attention will be focused elsewhere Saturday night in Baltimore, especially the quarterback position. With most of the starters likely to play a good chunk of the game, it’s the best chance to see just what the Redskins may have to offer this season. But if history holds true, Washington will need one of their tight ends to take a step forward during the contest as there is potentially a chance they will see a good chunk of playing time this season.
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