Niles Paul

The Washington Redskins only know that tight end Jordan Reed won't play Thursday because of a hamstring issue. Beyond that, the only thing they're sure of is they'll need him for the season opener against Miami and that they hope he's available.

Reed has been sidelined since Aug. 11 with a hamstring injury. Coach Jay Gruden said even if they had a regular-season game this week that Reed would not play.

"We've got to get him right," Gruden said. "I've got to make sure he's 100 percent for Miami."

Gruden said he's hoping Reed can play in the third preseason game against Baltimore, but there's no guarantee he'll be ready by then. Even without injuries to tight ends Niles Paul and Logan Paulsen, the Redskins needed Reed to be healthy. Now with those two out, Reed's return becomes even bigger.

The story went on to say the Redskins want Reed to be a big part of their third-down package if nothing else. The problem is that Reed's durability has always been an issue. He's missed 12 games in his first two seasons and has missed time each of the past two training camps. When he plays he's put up fantasy numbers but potential owners will need a backup plan because even as it stands now, it's not certain he's ready for the season.