DeSean Jackson, Niles Paul, Greg Toler, Rashad Ross Raise Fists During Anthem

Washington's DeSean Jackson, Niles Paul, Greg Toler and Rashad Ross became the latest players to join in the protest during the national anthem Sunday, raising their fists throughout the "The Star-Spangled Banner" before their game against the New York Giants. 

Master Tesfatsion of the Washington Post reported on the gesture, which has grown in popularity across sports in recent weeks. Players have been raising their fists or kneeling as a sign of solidarity with San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who began the movement as a protest of racial inequality.

Washington coach Jay Gruden has not commented on the players' gesture, but it could be seen as an act of defiance given his previously published thoughts. When Kaepernick's protest first made national headlines, Gruden said his players would honor the anthem. 

"We have a ton of respect for what goes on for our country with those people," Gruden told reporters, referring to military members. "For three minutes for us to take our helmet off and stand up and give respect is how we treat it here with the Redskins."

The Washington franchise's stance on racial equality has long made national headlines due to the controversy over the Redskins name. Owner Dan Snyder has maintained the team would not change its name despite protests and outcry from some Native Americans.

The four players are the first on Washington's roster to make their feelings known. Their decision comes during a week when protests broke out in Charlotte, North Carolina, over the police killing of Keith Lamont Scott, a 43-year-old black man. Riots over Scott's death have resulted in injuries to multiple police officers and citizens.

Earlier this week, a video of a Tulsa police officer shooting and killing Terence Crutcher, another black man, also became a source of controversy.

Follow Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) on Twitter.