Though he posted solid numbers vs. Buffalo, Grossman also got away with two throws that could have resulted in interceptions returned for touchdowns. On the first, the defensive back read the play from the snap, and Grossman threw too far inside. It should have been an easy Bills score. On the second, Grossman was saved by a flat-footed defensive back on an out pass to Fred Davis at the goal line. The throw was good; it was to the outside shoulder, and had it been any more inside it would have been a touchdown for the Bills.

Player of note

RT Jammal Brown

Brown returned to practice for the first time since Aug. 2 because of a sore hip. Because he required surgery on the same hip, the Redskins and Brown wanted to be extra cautious, but in missing so much time it bears watching to see how it affects him in the future. Brown was a little rusty during practice, getting beat by Andre Carter on one rush and holding him on another. The Redskins need him to play the final three preseason games if only to establish a rhythm with right guard Artis Hicks.

News & notes

» New long snapper James Dearth, who signed Saturday, had a rough year last season with the New York Jets. As the Jets got hot late in the season, he was forced to deal with personal setbacks. His grandfather died before the season. His dad, James Sr., was diagnosed with kidney cancer and was told he had one or two years to live. As if that weren’t enough, his mom died from heart failure in November. “It was tough because you’re really thinking about your family quite a bit,” said Dearth, who’s in his 11th season. “But you tell yourself, my mom, she didn’t want anybody worrying about her. She was a very unselfish lady. She wanted me to focus on my job and doing what I’m supposed to do. I feel like it’s a fresh start [here].” Dearth is not guaranteed a roster spot. Nick Sundberg, who has struggled in practice, had a good opening night vs. Buffalo. “You feel good about veterans,” special teams coach Danny Smith said. “But I’m not opposed to a rookie if he can do it.”.

» Right tackle Jammal Brown returned to practice for the first time since Aug. 3. Brown had been out with a sore hip, the same one that required surgery last summer. But wide receiver Malcolm Kelly (hamstring) probably won’t return until Tuesday or Wednesday at the earliest, coach Mike Shanahan said.

» Shanahan said running back Brian Westbrook is “still an option” for the Redskins. ESPN had reported that Westbrook would sign with St. Louis on Monday. The Rams have disputed the report.

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