<
        >

          NFL Nation

          Redskins optimistic about Rob Kelley, but Jordan Reed unable to practice

          • John Keim, ESPN Staff WriterSep 20, 2017, 06:56 PM ET
            Close
              John Keim covers the Washington Commanders for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2013 after a stint with the Washington Post. He started covering the team in 1994 for the Journal Newspapers and later for the Washington Examiner. He has authored/co-authored four books. You can also listen to him on 'The John Keim Report', which airs on ESPN Richmond radio, and follow him on Twitter @john_keim
            Follow on X

          ASHBURN, Va. -- Washington Redskins running back Rob Kelley anticipates playing Sunday, despite nursing a painful rib injury. However, tight end Jordan Reed, a central piece to the passing attack, did not practice Wednesday.

          Reed, who suffered an injury to his ribs and an SC joint ligament sprain in his shoulder in last Sunday's game, was limited in the second half of the 27-20 win over the Los Angeles Rams. Redskins coach Jay Gruden called him day-to-day. Reed has missed 20 games in his first four NFL seasons combined. If he can't play, the Redskins also have veterans Vernon Davis and Niles Paul and rookie Jeremy Sprinkle.

          But Kelley was part of a long list of players who were limited in practice. Corner Josh Norman (shoulder) said he'll play Sunday night vs. the Oakland Raiders.

          "It sucks, I won't lie to you," Norman said of the sprained AC joint in his shoulder. "We're going through pain for now, but we'll be all right come Sunday. Get some of that good ol' juice in us and go out and have a good time. Please do not drug test me after this. It's not that kind of juice."

          Linebacker Mason Foster, who popped his shoulder back in place Sunday after it separated, said he's preparing as if he'll play. He was in full pads and even popped the blocking sled during individual drills.

          He said he still has some pain but that his range of motion is good.

          Safeties Montae Nicholson (shoulder) and Deshazor Everett (knee) and right tackle Morgan Moses (ankle) also were limited.

          Kelley said he was in a lot of pain after hurting his ribs.

          "When it happened, on a scale of 1 to 10 it was 10. Right now it's probably like a 5," Kelley said. "At the game, it was hard to breathe and my back started locking up. But right now I'm pretty good."

          He said he'll wear a pad over his ribs to protect them if he plays Sunday night. If he can't play, Samaje Perine would take over the bulk of the carries with Chris Thompson still serving in his third-down role.

          "I can't worry about it," Kelley said of his ribs. "If I worry about that all day, something else is going to happen. I'll play until the game is over or until I can't take it no more."