Thompson makes mark on Redskins offense

Sep 21, 2017 - 5:44 AM Washington Redskins running back Chris Thompson is notoriously hard on himself.

A 61-yard touchdown run against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday was nice. But Thompson, who has established himself as one of the NFL's better third-down backs, had a different play in mind after the game: A dropped pass in the third quarter that could have been an easy 62-yard touchdown.

Thompson had split two defenders and had green grass in front of him. Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins took blame for the throw, saying he accidentally threw a rocket at Thompson. But the running back wasn't having it. The drop has been eating at him for days despite his two touchdown runs in the game.

"I'm not gonna lie to you: On the plane ride, getting dressed after the game, this morning watching film, when I was outside at practice, I was thinking about that one play," Thompson said.

His teammates have put it behind them. Fellow running back Robert Kelley made sure Thompson saw the good in his performance against the Rams. Thompson heard him - kind of. On Wednesday during individual drills at practice, Thompson made sure to run the exact same route he'd dropped the ball on over and over.

"Those are the things I feel like I have to fix," Thompson said. "That's just a reminder that no matter how good you are, there's going to be plays there and you never really reach that peak."

The Redskins signed Thompson to a two-year contract extension on Sept. 5 with $4.5 million guaranteed. A fifth-round pick in 2013 who had a broken back and a torn ACL at Florida State end two different college seasons has surpassed expectations after a rookie year cut short by injury (torn labrum, left shoulder) and a 2014 season spent mostly on the practice squad. But he's played in 31 of Washington's last 34 games.

"I think the thing about Chris that you have to know from his story is it wasn't like he showed up as a rookie and was an All-Pro," Cousins. "It took time to develop. Chris is still getting better and doing things this year that he didn't do last year. Thrilled with his growth and development and can't wait to see where it goes from here."

--Redskins tight end Jordan Reed did not practice on Wednesday with an SC joint sprain and a rib cartilage injury. That puts his status for Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders into question.

Reed's injury history is lengthy. He has endured concussions and shoulder injuries, among other aches and pains. Only once has he played more than 12 games in his five-year career. Reed was limited during training camp with a big toe injury and is wearing orthotics in his cleats to limit the pain. Reed has still made an impact early with 11 receptions for 84 yards in two games, though no touchdowns.

-Redskins head coach Jay Gruden had little to add on the Su'a Cravens situation. The Redskins placed their 2016 second-round pick on the reserve/left squad list on Monday and ended his season. The safety left the team on Sept. 4 and had been on the exempt/left squad list. His future with the organization is uncertain.

"As far as Su'a' is concerned, we just have to put it behind us, move forward and let him take care of his personal life and let us take care of this season," Gruden said.