Just days after losing starting tight end Niles Paul for the season due to a fractured ankle, Washington's depth at tight end took another blow after head coach Jay Gruden's latest injury announcement. Logan Paulsen, who had been missing camp with a toe injury and just visited Dr. Robert Anderson this week, needs surgery and will be out for the entire season.
Washington was already hurting at tight end before its preseason opener started with oft-injured Jordan Reed trying to come back from a strained hamstring. Now just as Reed is set to return, Washington has lost its No.1 and No.3 tight end on the depth chart. While Reed is a very capable receiver, his body has not shown it can stay healthy over 16 games and even if he does, he cannot be trusted as a blocker.
It's almost impossible to be as thin at tight end as Washington is now. If they don't add a tight end via free agency or trade Je'Ron Hamm or Chase Dixon becomes Washington's number-two tight end. Hamm was an undrafted free agent in 2014, regarded as an intriguing receiving option that couldn't stay healthy. Dixon was signed to Washington's practice squad last year.
Ultimately, Washington needs to acquire another tight end. Reed is a near certainty to suffer another injury and if Dixon or Hamm becomes Washington's top tight end, this team is in serious trouble.
Fantasy Spin
Paulsen was never a threat to really eat away into Reed's targets this season, so Reed's average draft position should remain the same. Paulsen was not being drafted in even the deepest fantasy leagues, nor should Dixon or Hamm now that they are replacing him. If Washington brings in a Chris Cooley or Fred Davis, eDraft will have an update ready when the news breaks with what it means from a fantasy perspective.