Doctson initially injured himself during offseason practices, then had a setback before the start of training camp and missed all of the preseason. He played in two games, then the pain in his Achilles’ tendons flared back up and forced him to the sidelines again. The Texas Christian product spent the final 11 weeks of this season on the injured reserve list.

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The Redskins sent Doctson to multiple specialists, but none found a reason for what the receiver described as tendonitis in his Achilles’ tendons. No structural damage or microtears were found.

“It was frustrating,” said Doctson, who hadn’t spoken to reporters since going on IR. “Meetings with no answers. That pretty much says it all.”

The Redskins had hoped Doctson could possibly come off the injured list and play in the final two games of the season. But he hadn’t started running at that point, and Washington needed to activate injured center Kory Lichtensteiger with starter Spencer Long hobbled by an ankle sprain. So, Doctson’s season officially came to an end.

Doctson said that he feels significantly better now, however.

“I’m good. I’m in a good state of mind, first and foremost,” he said. “We haven’t done anything much of [physical] since I got put on IR because they just wanted reset. So, we’re looking to increase activity this next month.”

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Doctson also said, “Definitely feel a difference. I was playing injured – and that was something I chose to do – but the rest has been significant for my recovery. … If I started out on IR, it could’ve changed the outcome of the season for me. But I don’t regret it. I’m going to push through regardless.”

As the Redskins’ top pick, Doctson already would have drawn scrutiny. But his injury only magnified the team’s curious decision to select a wide receiver first rather than a need position like defensive line, safety or linebacker.

“I talked to [team president] Bruce [Allen] and [general manager] Scot [McCloughan] and I told them that I apply more pressure than anyone can because I want to prove to myself that I can play in this league,” Doctson said. “I did that at TCU. It’s always embedded in me as a competitor or anyone in this locker room that’s a competitor. I didn’t let the outside noise get to me. I just wanted to get out there and be with my teammates.”

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Doctson originally came out of high school having earned a scholarship to play at Wyoming. He recorded five receiving touchdowns as a true freshman. But he transferred to TCU as a walk-on after that season, sitting out 2012. Doctson went on to earn a full scholarship and recorded 29 receiving touchdowns during his three seasons at TCU.

Doctson said he has no doubt that he can return to the form that prompted the Redskins to make him their top draft pick.

He said that he is supposed to begin his rehabilitation program towards the middle or end of January. Doctson will conduct all of that work with the Redskins’ trainers rather than go back home to Texas.

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“Just going to stay up here,” he said. “I’m not going to leave Washington until I’m 100 percent, I know that.”