Three things we know about Philadelphia
1. Brian Westbrook will try to play » It’s nice that his brother, Byron, doesn’t think he’ll play. But every other person associated with the Redskins thinks he will. So do Eagles beat reporters. If Westbrook plays, watch out. The Eagles are 3-1 against the Redskins the past two years with Westbrook averaging 156 yards per game.
2. DeSean Jackson can play » Jackson, with a team-best 22 catches, has made an immediate impact. Yes, he’s cocky — though he’s apparently made himself more scarce in the media these days. But he’s also Donovan McNabb’s first read almost 70 percent of the time. His speed is dangerous and creates room for other receivers. He’ll also carry on reverses.
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3. Donovan McNabb is back » Think about this; the Eagles have been hit by injuries at receiver, lost Westbrook for a game, start a rookie receiver and still have the NFL’s sixth-ranked offense. McNabb is making plays with his feet. He’s only run 10 times, but he’s moving more in the pocket to create openings. He’s done a great job seeing the field, one reason he’s averaging 7.53 yards per attempt.
Redskins notes
» Corner Shawn Springs could join Jason Taylor on the sidelines against Philadelphia on Sunday.
Springs (calf) has not practiced this week and, coach Jim Zorn said, “If he doesn’t practice [today], we’ll probably sit him down.”
Springs injured his calf in the third quarter of Sunday’s 26-24 win over Dallas.
Taylor said he was told Thursday by Dr. Chris Annunziata, who performed the surgery on his calf, that he is ahead of schedule. However, Taylor declined to say when he would return. The six-inch incision hasn’t had any infections.
“There are guys who come back in a week or two and have played and some guys have taken the season,” Taylor said. “Everyone has different degrees to what the problem was to begin with and mine is somewhere in-between … I don’t want to set myself back [and] miss a lot more time.”
» Linebacker Marcus Washington (hamstring) and right tackle Stephon Heyer (shoulder) did not practice. The Redskins are more optimistic about Washington than Heyer and it appears Jon Jansen will start again at right tackle.
Right guard Randy Thomas (turf toe) was limited, but is expected to play. End Andre Carter missed practice for a second straight day to deal with a family issue.
» Redskins safety Chris Horton was named the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Month. Horton is the NFL’s first rookie to have four turnovers in his first four games since San Diego’s Andre Young in 1982.
Horton is also the first Redskin rookie to win this award since Fred Smoot in September 2001
