Niner Noise
FanSided

NFL power rankings: Post-preseason 32-team breakdown before Week 1

By Peter Panacy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 24: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts watches from the sidelines during the fourth quarter of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 24: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts watches from the sidelines during the fourth quarter of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 30: Head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins looks on during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField on December 30, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 30: Head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins looks on during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField on December 30, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

The Washington Redskins have gone through quite a turbulent year since the halfway point of 2018.

Quarterback Alex Smith suffered what could end up being a career-ending injury. And former 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster, whom the Redskins claimed after his Niners release, finds himself on season-ending injured reserve, too.

Injuries are a big reason why head coach Jay Gruden finds himself on the hot seat entering 2019. Washington has made the postseason just once during Gruden’s five-plus-year tenure as head coach.

Even if injuries pile up again, a failed playoff run — especially amid a questionable NFC East — would be disastrous for Gruden’s future.

The whole situation with offensive tackle Trent Williams has been weird, too, although there’s always the hope he shows up for Week 1 despite being unhappy with his contract status.

And while Gruden has named veteran quarterback Case Keenum the starter, Keenum is merely a placeholder for the rookie, Dwayne Haskins, whose name will be called by fans loudly if the Redskins get off to a slow start.