Almost a year to the day after tearing two ligaments in his left knee, Redskins wide receiver Leonard Hankerson could return to the field Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Hankerson spent the first nine games of the season on the physically-unable-to-perform list. The question now isn’t whether he is physically able to contribute, but how the Redskins will use him moving forward.
“I have no clue, man. I just know I’ve been out there working, doing what I can do,” Hankerson said Friday. “Whatever the coaches decide.”
Washington’s top three wide receivers — DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon and Andre Roberts — have not changed this season. Rookie Ryan Grant, who contributes on special teams, has also been active every week, with the final spot alternating between Santana Moss and Aldrick Robinson. Hankerson gives the Redskins seven wideouts on the 53-man roster.
On Friday, coach Jay Gruden said he had not decided how many wide receivers would be active for Sunday’s game, let alone who those players would be. The situation could change based on the availability of tight end Logan Paulsen, who is listed as questionable with hamstring and foot injuries.
“The good thing is whoever I decide on, I feel very confident that they can do the job when needed. The bad thing is I’ve got to tell two of them they’re not playing,” Gruden said. “Like I said, you can argue the case for all of them to be playing. But unfortunately, we can only pick five, maybe six depending on the injury situation.”
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Hankerson could provide an element of size the Redskins currently lack at wide receiver. At 6-foot-2, he is two inches taller than any other receiver on the team.
Offensive coordinator Sean McVay added that Hankerson has the versatility to play in any of the team’s receiving roles, including slot if necessary.
“I don’t see any effects of his knee injury. You see a smooth guy,” McVay said. “We’ve done a lot of one-on-one work in some of the pre-practice stuff, and he looks like he’s exploding in and out of his breaks. I’ve always thought he has natural hands. It’s really just about him getting live game reps, because he’s a very talented guy that has great body control.”
Despite these strengths, Hankerson is at a disadvantage because he has not played special teams. Grant has been a regular participant on kickoff coverages this season, and Moss is the backup punt returner. But Hankerson said he is willing and able to contribute on special teams, if it means getting back on the field and contributing to a win.
“I’m open to doing anything,” he said. “Whatever helps. Whatever helps the team out, I can go out and do it. That’s what it’s all about.”
• Tom Schad can be reached at tschad@washingtontimes.com.
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