Redskins place Jordan Reed on IR, sign former Eagles player leading up to Week 17

The Washington Redskins will officially be without Jordan Reed against the Philadelphia Eagles this weekend. Washington shut down their starting tight end by placing him on injured reserve.

Reed is Washington’s leading receiver this season with 54 for 558 yards and two touchdowns. Reed had four receptions for 21 yards when Washington played the Eagles back in Week 13.

Reed’s absence means Vernon Davis could be starting in his place. Davis missed Washington’s Week 16 game due to a concussion and he was limited during Wednesday’s practice. If Davis can’t play, Washington will be down to just Jeremy Sprinkle and “Matt Flanagan” at tight end.

Washington also officially placed Colt McCoy on injured reserve. This means it’ll definitely be Josh Johnson starting at quarterback on Sunday. It also means Mark Sanchez will be forced into action if Johnson gets hurt.

Johnson has completed 62.5% of his attempts for 499 yards (7.8 average), three touchdowns, three interceptions, and a 82.7 passer rating through three games this season. He also has 20 rushes for 116 yards (5.8 average) and one score so the 32-year-old is still very much a mobile threat.

In other roster news, Washington re-signed former Eagles first-round draft pick Marcus Smith. Washington originally signed Smith one day after losing to Philadelphia earlier this month but then waived him 11 days later. Now he’s back again. Hopefully the Eagles will be able to avoid “The Marcus Smith Revenge Game” eliminating them from the playoff picture.