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          NFL Nation

          Jordan Reed remains confident about playing Chiefs Monday

          • John Keim, ESPN Staff WriterSep 30, 2017, 03:45 PM ET
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              John Keim covers the Washington Commanders for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2013 after a stint with the Washington Post. He started covering the team in 1994 for the Journal Newspapers and later for the Washington Examiner. He has authored/co-authored four books. You can also listen to him on 'The John Keim Report', which airs on ESPN Richmond radio, and follow him on Twitter @john_keim
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          ASHBURN, Va. -- The Washington Redskins once again have questions about several key players heading into a game. They listed six players as questionable, topped by safety D.J. Swearinger, tight end Jordan Reed, receiver Jamison Crowder and running back Rob Kelley.

          Reed (rib/sternum) remained firm Saturday that he would play Monday against Kansas City and Kelley (ribs) has been optimistic as well. Both have said they feel much better than last week when they were unable to play against Oakland. Redskins coach Jay Gruden said it would be about "pain tolerance" for both players, but each was confident about playing.

          Crowder was once again surprised to find himself on the list with a tight hamstring; he didn’t have any doubt about his ability to play Monday.

          Others listed as questionable include linebackers Mason Foster (shoulder) and Will Compton (ankle). Foster also didn’t play against the Raiders. If he can’t play, the Redskins could use Compton in their base package and Martrell Spaight in nickel. That was what they did last week, when they played almost exclusively in nickel.

          Redskins coach Jay Gruden said Foster was getting strength back in his shoulder.

          “He’s still got a little bit of an issue there,” Gruden said.

          Swearinger was a new addition and didn’t practice Saturday. Gruden said they held him out just for rest. They will know more about his status Sunday after they try to work him out. Swearinger has been crucial to the team's defensive success, with both leadership and performance. His communication skills help the other defensive backs, notably rookie safety Montae Nicholson and third-year safety Deshazor Everett.

          If Swearinger can’t play, the Redskins would be left with an inexperienced safety tandem. Everett and Nicholson have started a combined three games.

          On Friday, lineman Jonathan Allen was limited because of his shoulder. However, he was not included among those who were questionable, nor was end Matt Ioannidis who was limited earlier in the week.

          Tackle Ty Nsekhe was listed as out; he’ll miss three to six weeks after undergoing surgery to repair an injured core muscle.