DeSean Jackson Injury: Updates on Redskins Star's Shoulder and Return

Updates from Thursday, Sept. 25

Art Stapleton of The Record reports Jackson is active:

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com has an update on DeSean Jackson:

Dianna Marie Russini of NBC 4 in Washington reports on Jackson's official status shad of Thursday night's game:

Updates from Sunday, Sept. 21

Tarik El-Bashir of CSNWashington.com confirms DeSean Jackson is active for Week 3:

Following the game, Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post shared an image of Jackson's shoulder:

"

DeSean Jackson's shoulder appears to be a bit of an issue. pic.twitter.com/EdH6Tgvh0s

— Bart Hubbuch (@HubbuchNYP) September 21, 2014"

Updates from Friday, Sept. 19

ESPN's John Keim has the latest on Jackson's status:

Mike Jones of the Washington Post had more on Jackson's status:

Updates from Thursday, Sept. 18

Mike Jones of the Washington Post reported on DeSean Jackson from Redskins practice:

Jay Gruden commented on Jackson's status following practice (via the Redskins and CSN Redskins):

Will Carroll of Bleacher Report weighed in on Jackson's status for Week 3 vs. Philadelphia:

Updates from Wednesday, Sept. 17

Dianna Marie Russini has an update on Jackson:

DeSean Jackson spoke about his shoulder injury on Wednesday (via the Redskins, Zac Boyer of the Washington Times and ESPN 980):

Updates from Monday, Sept. 15

Jay Gruden updated the diagnosis on DeSean Jackson's injured shoulder on Monday (via the Redskins):

Bleacher Report's Jason Cole reported how Jackson is feeling this morning after injuring his shoulder in Week 2's contest against the Jaguars:

Dianna Marie Russini of NBC 4 reported on Jackson's motivation to return for Week 3:

Original Text

The Washington Redskins brought in Jay Gruden for his innovative offense, and he may be put to the test in the coming weeks after star wide receiver DeSean Jackson left the team's Week 2 contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars due to a shoulder injury. Robert Griffin III also exited with an ankle injury in the first half. 

Jackson went down awkwardly after trying to make a reception but quickly received attention from the trainers, the team confirmed:

Jackson was later ruled out, as the Redskins notified on their Twitter account:

The loss is a major blow to Gruden's attack. Jackson, now 27 years old and in his first season with the team after signing a four-year deal worth $24 million this past offseason, per Spotrac, was brought on to provide a spark to the offense and take pressure off quarterback Robert Griffin III.

Jackson is no stranger to missing time, though. Of his six NFL seasons, the former Philadelphia Eagles star has only appeared in a full 16 games twice—during his rookie year and his career-best season just last year in Philadelphia. He also missed time this preseason with a slight ankle injury.

Year	G	Rec	Yds	TD
2008	16	62	912	2
2009	15	63	1,156	9
2010	14	47	1,056	6
2011	15	58	961	4
2012	11	45	700	2
2013	16	82	1,332	9

Those numbers with the Eagles last season are one reason Washington took the risk on Jackson. While his career-best numbers came in the confines of Chip Kelly's quick-twitch offense, his all-around ability is quite rare at the pro level.

“People don’t realize that I can do it all—short, deep and mid-range,” Jackson said, per Liz Clarke of The Washington Post. “I just like to consider myself an all-around receiver. Don’t look at me as just being a deep threat. Making short passes into long gains is something I love to do.”

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He's not wrong. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Jackson ranked as the No. 8 overall receiver last season. Perhaps even more impressively, he came in at No. 9 overall in terms of yards after catch, with 489.

Gruden's idea was to pair that elite talent with last year's receptions leader, Pierre Garcon. PFF's Tyler Loechner puts it best:

With Jackson sidelined for an unknown amount of time, that plan is now on the shelf as well. 

Andre Roberts, who spent his first four years in Arizona and was upset with Jackson's addition in the first place, per ESPN.com's John Keim, will get his shot opposite Garcon.

Gruden is no stranger to having only one true No. 1 receiver, although Garcon is no A.J. Green. So he will be able to find creative ways to get Roberts and a host of others—perhaps especially the running backs—the ball consistently.

Jackson's injury should affect Alfred Morris and the ground game, too, as defenders will be able to better stack the box with less of a threat on the outside.

Washington is equipped to handle the loss; after all, Jackson was a bit of a luxury addition in the first place. But he is one luxury Washington would love to have back as soon as possible to better keep up with the offenses of the NFC East.