An MRI revealed Friday that Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed suffered a Grade 3 shoulder separation in the Thanksgiving Day loss to the Dallas Cowboys, head coach Jay Gruden told ESPN 980.
Reed went down in the second quarter after hitting the ground hard in the end zone. At that point in the game, Reed had just two catches for 15 yards. Reed would exit the game, and his return was initially ruled as questionable.
However, he would return to the game, finishing with 10 receptions on 12 targets for 95 yards and two touchdowns.
But he was also clearly in a great deal of pain over the course of the game. Afterward, Reed was seen getting help from a teammate to simply take off his shirt, and another Redskins’ staffer helped him put a shirt on. Reed was grimacing during both simple tasks.
“I didn’t think I was going to come back,” Reed said. “I started moving it around and I felt better. Felt like I had a chance to play, so I tried.”
Reed, 26, is questionable for the team’s next game against the Arizona Cardinals on Dec. 4.
Reed’s role in the Redskins’ offensive unit is crucial. Despite missing Weeks 6 and 7 with a concussion, he leads all Redskins’ receivers in targets (80) and receptions (59), and his five touchdowns rank second on the team behind only wide receiver Jamison Crowder. And, according to NFL Savant, Reed is targeted on 18.87 percent of the Redskins’ passing plays within the end zone — an area the Redskins’ offense has struggled with this season — second on the team behind Crowder.
“I love playing football,” Reed said. “I love playing with my teammates. When I’m not out there, it’s more pain than what I’m feeling. I just wanted to be out there to help my team.”
Reed is questionable for Week 13, but a Grade 3 AC separation is one of the most severe levels of such an injury. His status for the game will become clearer as the week passes and the Redskins resume practice.
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