Redskins place tight end Niles Paul on injured reserve

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) The Washington Redskins have placed tight end Niles Paul on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.

Coach Jay Gruden made the announcement Monday as the Redskins returned to practice after their bye week. Gruden says Paul will need surgery to repair his injured labrum.

Paul is Washington's No. 3 tight end behind Jordan Reed and Vernon Davis, their fullback when needed and a special teams ace. He's also the special teams captain.

The 27-year-old had two catches for 27 yards this season. Paul missed all of last season with an ankle injury.

Gruden said the team will consider external options to fill Paul's spot.

Tight end Derek Carrier began practicing Monday, 11 months after tearing the ACL and medial collateral ligament in his right knee. The Redskins have 21 days to decide whether to activate him from the physically unable to perform list, put him on IR or cut him.

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