NFL teams
John Keim, ESPN Staff Writer 8y

Redskins might sit rookie Josh Doctson for a couple of weeks

NFL, Washington Redskins

ASHBURN, Va. -- Redskins coach Jay Gruden admitted he's "very" concerned about rookie receiver Josh Doctson, who continues to be bothered by an Achilles injury.

Gruden said there's a chance Doctson will have to sit for a couple of weeks.

"We've had all of the tests, and there is really nothing there that we should be concerned about from a long-term problem," Gruden said. "It's just, he is dealing with some pain. We don't know why it is, but we have to try and figure out what it is and get it fixed.

"It could be a possibility or a time that we put him down for a couple more weeks or a couple more days like we're taking him off today, probably sit him down tomorrow and see if that helps a little bit."

Doctson, the 22nd pick in the first round out of TCU, was a late scratch Sunday vs. the New York Giants after feeling discomfort in his left foot during pregame warmups. He did not practice Wednesday because of tendinitis in his Achilles. Doctson initially hurt his foot during an OTA practice May 25, and he did not practice again until the week of the season opener. He was active for the first two games.

Doctson caught one pass for 57 yards in the two games. The Redskins are fortunate they have a strong receiver corps without him, but they also had hoped Doctson would contribute much more than he has. Because of the time he missed with his injury, Doctson was set back and, therefore, limited in games.

"We keep thinking he's getting better, and he keeps teasing us running out there, making a great catch and looking good," Gruden said, "and then the next day he gets sore."

The team is trying to be patient and trying not to force Doctson onto the field before his foot is ready.

"This is new to everybody, and the key is to get him healthy," Gruden said. "We are not trying to rush him. We are just trying to see how he feels each day. If he can go, he goes, and if not, he doesn't. We don't know what tomorrow will bring."

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