Redskins rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson is expected to be active in tonight’s season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FedEx Field, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.
Former TCU star Doctson, the 22nd overall pick in the 2016 draft, was listed as questionable by the team on Saturday because of an Achilles’ injury he suffered on May 25 during an offseason practice. He spent all of training camp and the preseason on the physically unable to perform list while recovering from the injury.
Doctson hasn’t seen the field much since he was drafted as a result. The Redskins activated Doctson off the PUP list on Sept. 3 as they finalized their 53-man roster. Although Doctson was listed as limited on Thursday and Friday, he was a full participant during Saturday’s practice for the first time since suffering the injury.
It’s unknown how many snaps Doctson will receive as a backup wide receiver, but his presence will give the Redskins the size they lack at the position. Listed at 6 feet 2 and 206 pounds, Doctson’s frame and ability to catch jump balls in college will be useful in the red zone.
Washington has six wide receivers on the roster, and it’s unlikely that they are all active on the 46-man roster. Rashad Ross, a backup wide receiver and kickoff returner, will likely be the odd man out in Doctson’s debut as one of the team’s seven inactive players.