There has been plenty of talk about the playing time of the Redskins’ starters during the preseason. On Monday we got some news about two key offensive players who have not been in for a single preseason snap.

Tight end Jordan Reed and running back Chris Thompson are both on pace to return to the lineup for the September 9 season opener against the Cardinals.

It’s not as though we haven’t seen either player on the field this summer. Both Reed and Thompson were regular, but limited participants in practice during training camp in Richmond. But while neither player wore any kind of a yellow “no contact” jersey, defenders knew to go easy on them.

Thompson is recovering from a broken fibula he suffered in Week 11 against the Saints. The speed that helped him rush for 294 yards and catch passes for another 510 yards as the third-down back appears to be there.

“Chris looks fantastic, really,” said Jay Gruden. “He's been great in his pass blocking and obviously his routes. He's hitting the hole. He looks great. I think he is ready to go.”

Reed’s 2017 season was derailed by toe problems early and by a hamstring later. The result was six games and 27 receptions for 211 yards. The Washington offense just doesn’t work as effectively without Reed.

He had a bone removed in each of his big toes over the offseason and he said that he couldn’t run until about a month before training camp started. Reed has looked good in practice, but Gruden seemed to temper his enthusiasm for Reed’s progress compared to the way he talked about Thompson’s.

“Jordan Reed is getting there,” said Gruden. “I think the more he works the more runs. He had a great day today just getting in and out of his cuts, getting the feel with Alex and the different formations. He's on pace to be ready."

If Reed is ready, the Redskins’ offense could be fun to watch. In any case, Reed will give new quarterback Alex Smith a reliable target while he sorts through his options. And Thompson will give the team a chance to move the chains on third down.

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Stay up to date on the Redskins. Rich Tandler covers the team 365 days a year. Like his Facebook page, Facebook.com/TandlerNBCS and follow him on Twitter @TandlerNBCS and on Instagram @RichTandler.