Shanahan says TE Reed could play vs. Falcons
Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed was listed as questionable Friday and while he's expected to miss his fourth consecutive game recovering from a concussion, coach Mike Shanahan disputed a report that the rookie has been shut down for the season.
"It's a normal test that he's had for concussions, and then if he does that, then he just gets a workout," Shanahan said. "It's not a conditioning test, it's a workout. We just see if he can work out and get a good workout in and see if he's got a headache or not."
Shanahan said if Reed passes the concussion test Saturday he will be put through a football-related workout to "see how he feels." If Reed doesn't experience any headaches, clears protocol and is ready to play Sunday, Shanahan said he would face the Atlanta Falcons.
Guard Kory Lichtensteiger (stinger), fullback Darrel Young (hamstring) and safeties Brandon Meriweather (chest) and Trenton Robinson (ankle) were all listed as probable after taking part in full practice Friday.
Shanahan said he believes the Redskins have had an "excellent" week of practice despite the controversy surrounding the franchise's decision to sit quarterback Robert Griffin III for the remainder of the season.
"Hopefully it carries over to the game," Shanahan said.
It was Kirk Cousins' first full week of practice with the first team during the regular season since filling in for RG3 against the Cleveland Browns last season.
"When you get a whole week of preparation, you're actually ready because you've had some repetition," Shanahan said. "It's very tough on the backup quarterback to go in with no repetition during the week and still perform at a high level, even though we expect him to do that, because he's got to get all the reps mentally and still be able to play if the quarterback goes down on the first play."
Shanahan said RG3 has "been great" throughout the week, remaining up-tempo and taking advantage of the reps he has been given. But now is Cousins' opportunity to show what he can do, whether it's for his future with the Redskins or potentially with another team down the line.
"Well, that's what you work for is get a chance to show what you can do on Sunday. That's why you go through all these drills and that's why it's a great opportunity for him to showcase his skills and where people can see him under fire," Shanahan said. "Until you see a quarterback under action, nobody knows for sure exactly what that guy's going to do. So he looks forward to that opportunity. He prepares everyday like he's going to be that guy.
"So far this season, he hasn't had many reps except for the Kansas City game, so he's looking forward to getting his opportunity and hopefully he takes advantage of it."
