Josh Doctson has heard the question for more than a year, everyone wanting to know when the Washington Redskins' 2016 first-round draft pick would be able to contribute.
Sore Achilles tendons ruined Doctson's rookie season and a hamstring injury limited him during training camp this summer. But after a full week of practice,Womens Zay Jones Jersey, the second-year wide receiver said he will play in the season opener when the Redskins host the Philadelphia Eagles.
" said a soft-spoken Doctson,"I'm just trying to maintain so I can be ready for Sunday,Womens Dion Dawkins Jersey, who avoided reporters for weeks when he was injured and only relented Wednesday for a brief interview.
Last year's health woes took a mental toll on the former TCU star as he appeared in just two games and practiced rarely. Doctson visited one specialist after another,Authentic Lorenzo Alexander Jersey, never got an answer about what caused persistent soreness in his Achilles tendons and was placed on injured reserve Oct. 21 as only months of rest seemed to have a positive effect.
Now Washington is about to find out just what they have in Doctson.
At 6-foot-2, he showed flashes of brilliance during offseason workouts and training camp practices, 206 pounds, drawing praise from teammates for his route running, his strong hands and 40-inch vertical leap that lets him beat defenders even when covered well.
"We just need him out there for him to be able to show what he can do and really make a difference for our team and for our offense," Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins said. "I'm excited for that — just like I'm sure the fan base is — to see what he's got in the tank."
Save for a 57-yard catch against Dallas in Week 2 last season, Doctson hasn't proven anything yet. And Washington doesn't have the luxury of giving him a learning curve in 2017 after veteran receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon left via free agency.
It was the first time in NFL history a team has lost two 1, Authentic Nathan Peterman Jersey,Philadelphia safety Malcolm Jenkins mentioned free agent acquisition Terrelle Pryor,000-yard receivers in the same offseason and puts immediate pressure on Doctson to stay healthy and produce. Asked about the Redskins' receivers,Womens Tre'Davious White Jersey, tight end Jordan Reed and slot receiver Jamison Crowder.
Doctson missed the preseason opener with a hamstring injury and was held out of the third and fourth exhibition games with hamstring and groin tightness. His entire preseason consisted of 18 snaps and one catch in an Aug. 19 game vs. Green Bay,Womens Nathan Peterman Jersey, which scrounged up ugly memories of the loneliness and isolation of his rookie year.
Teammates who have been through long injury recoveries sensed Doctson's trepidation. Redskins running back Chris Thompson broke his back and tore the ACL in his left knee in college at Florida State and tore the labrum in his left shoulder as a rookie with Washington in 2013 but has since recovered to play in 29 of the past 32 games.
"Maybe at certain times this year early on he was feeling good,Womens Lorenzo Alexander Jersey, and he's not thinking about being hurt anymore," Thompson said. "But you still don't forget about it. You're still nervous even though you know everything is fixed. Josh has worked for a long time, and we've been able to see the type of player he is."
and if he doesn't play Sunday it could open up more playing time for Doctson along with Pryor,Authentic Dion Dawkins Jersey,Crowder is questionable with a hip injury, Ryan Grant and Brian Quick.
"I'm just excited," Doctson said. "But you can't make it bigger than it is."
NOTES: Gruden said Grant would start if Crowder doesn't play against the Eagles. ... Along with Crowder, C Spencer Long (knee) and LB Ryan Anderson (neck stinger) are questionable.
Josh Doctson has heard the question for more than a year, everyone wanting to know when the Washington Redskins' 2016 first-round draft pick would be able to contribute.
Well,Authentic Tre'Davious White Jersey, it's time to find out what Washington has.
Sore Achilles tendons ruined Doctson's rookie season and a hamstring injury limited him during training camp this summer. But after a full week of practice,Womens Zay Jones Jersey, the second-year wide receiver said he will play in the season opener when the Redskins host the Philadelphia Eagles.
" said a soft-spoken Doctson,"I'm just trying to maintain so I can be ready for Sunday,Womens Dion Dawkins Jersey, who avoided reporters for weeks when he was injured and only relented Wednesday for a brief interview.
Last year's health woes took a mental toll on the former TCU star as he appeared in just two games and practiced rarely. Doctson visited one specialist after another,Authentic Lorenzo Alexander Jersey, never got an answer about what caused persistent soreness in his Achilles tendons and was placed on injured reserve Oct. 21 as only months of rest seemed to have a positive effect.
Now Washington is about to find out just what they have in Doctson.
At 6-foot-2, he showed flashes of brilliance during offseason workouts and training camp practices, 206 pounds, drawing praise from teammates for his route running, his strong hands and 40-inch vertical leap that lets him beat defenders even when covered well.
"We just need him out there for him to be able to show what he can do and really make a difference for our team and for our offense," Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins said. "I'm excited for that — just like I'm sure the fan base is — to see what he's got in the tank."
Save for a 57-yard catch against Dallas in Week 2 last season, Doctson hasn't proven anything yet. And Washington doesn't have the luxury of giving him a learning curve in 2017 after veteran receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon left via free agency.
It was the first time in NFL history a team has lost two 1, Authentic Nathan Peterman Jersey,Philadelphia safety Malcolm Jenkins mentioned free agent acquisition Terrelle Pryor,000-yard receivers in the same offseason and puts immediate pressure on Doctson to stay healthy and produce. Asked about the Redskins' receivers,Womens Tre'Davious White Jersey, tight end Jordan Reed and slot receiver Jamison Crowder.
"The jury is still out,Authentic Zay Jones Jersey," Redskins coach Jay Gruden said.
Doctson missed the preseason opener with a hamstring injury and was held out of the third and fourth exhibition games with hamstring and groin tightness. His entire preseason consisted of 18 snaps and one catch in an Aug. 19 game vs. Green Bay,Womens Nathan Peterman Jersey, which scrounged up ugly memories of the loneliness and isolation of his rookie year.
Teammates who have been through long injury recoveries sensed Doctson's trepidation. Redskins running back Chris Thompson broke his back and tore the ACL in his left knee in college at Florida State and tore the labrum in his left shoulder as a rookie with Washington in 2013 but has since recovered to play in 29 of the past 32 games.
"Maybe at certain times this year early on he was feeling good,Womens Lorenzo Alexander Jersey, and he's not thinking about being hurt anymore," Thompson said. "But you still don't forget about it. You're still nervous even though you know everything is fixed. Josh has worked for a long time, and we've been able to see the type of player he is."
and if he doesn't play Sunday it could open up more playing time for Doctson along with Pryor,Authentic Dion Dawkins Jersey,Crowder is questionable with a hip injury, Ryan Grant and Brian Quick.
"I'm just excited," Doctson said. "But you can't make it bigger than it is."
NOTES: Gruden said Grant would start if Crowder doesn't play against the Eagles. ... Along with Crowder, C Spencer Long (knee) and LB Ryan Anderson (neck stinger) are questionable.