The Jets will have a legitimate chance to make it two wins in a row when they hit the road to take on the Redskins on Sunday.
Washington has struggled to a 1-8 record so far in 2019, with its only win coming against the Dolphins over a month ago. It’s a winnable game for New York, but a lengthy injury report and general inconsistency make nothing a certainty for Gang Green.
With that being said, let’s take a look at some pregame storylines to keep an eye on with kickoff approaching.
Le’Veon Bell’s status
Could the Jets be without their star running back for the first time this season when they take on the Redskins?
Le’Veon Bell’s status for Sunday’s game is up in the air, as he is dealing with rib and knee injuries, as well as an illness. If Bell can’t go, Ty Montgomery and Bilal Powell will be tasked with leading New York’s rushing attack.
Even with Bell, the Jets have struggled to run the football in 2019 due to some underwhelming play in the trenches. If he can’t play against Washington, New York’s ground game will have a tough time taking flight in Week 11.
Fresh meat under center for Washington
One week after taking on Daniel Jones, the Jets will get their second crack at an NFC East rookie quarterback.
Dwayne Haskins is set to start for the Redskins after interim head coach Bill Callahan announced he would be Washington’s starter for the remainder of the season earlier this week. Haskins made his first start of the season against the Bills in Week 9, going 15-22 for 144 yards.
Haskins has talent but has yet to generate much offense in his brief time under center for Washington. Expect Gregg Williams to throw a handful of exotic looks at him throughout the afternoon.
Jamison Crowder returns to D.C.
Sunday marks a homecoming for Jets slot receiver Jamison Crowder, as he returns to the place he spent the first four years of his career.
As a fourth-round pick out of Duke in 2015, Crowder emerged as a reliable option in the slot for the Redskins, catching 221 passes for 2,268 yards and 14 touchdowns. However, despite his productivity, Washington let him walk in free agency.
The Redskins didn’t pay Crowder in the offseason. On Sunday, he’ll have the chance to make them pay for it.
Key injuries plaguing both teams
Sunday’s matchup will be a battle of the walking wounded, as both the Jets and Redskins are either missing or in danger of not having a handful of key contributors.
For the Jets, starters Henry Anderson, Kelvin Beachum, Neville Hewitt, Brandon Copeland, Alex Lewis and Demaryius Thomas are all listed as questionable with injuries. Starting cornerback Darryl Roberts is also doubtful to play. Washington isn’t faring any better on the injury front, as running back Chris Thompson, wide receiver Paul Richardson Jr. and tight end Vernon Davis have already been ruled out.
Next man up is the mantra of the NFL, but it’s going to be tough for the Jets and Redskins to operate with the injuries piling up. Depending on who winds up on the inactives report, one team could be scrambling for depth.
