Dealing with a severely painful shoulder injury, Redskins tight end Jordan Reed hardly played against the Eagles. Jay Gruden isn't sure to expect more on Monday night against Carolina.

"We hope so, but I think, again, it’s just one of these deals where we have to see where he’s at, see how much strength he has," Gruden said Thursday.

In the win over Philadelphia last Sunday, Reed played just 10 snaps. Kirk Cousins targeted his top tight end only once, which Reed caught for a gain of 10 yards. The prior week, Reed was forced to sit out after separating his shoulder on Thanksgiving in Dallas.

Gruden knows that for Reed, pain is still a major issue.

"He’s getting better and better, but still, that’s a tough injury – a Grade 3 is significant. So we’ll have to wait and see how he does," the coach said.

Last week the Panthers gave up more than 70 yards receiving to the Chargers' tight ends, and the week before, Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham went for more than 60 yards receiving and a TD against the Panthers.

Arguably the best tight end in football, Reed poses serious problems for opposing defenses. If he can go Monday night against a Carolina team that struggles against tight ends, he will be a big threat for the 'Skins and Cousins.

An extra day of rest - not playing until Monday - might help, but the Redskins staff has said that Reed will deal with significant pain each week he plays through his shoulder injury. Reed proved his toughness in the second half of the Cowboys game, and nobody will question his effort Monday night, regardless of results.

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