Stan Hixon knows Williams dropped a pass, or two, Sunday morning. Still, he said, “He catches the ball well.”

Williams caught 55 passes for Tennessee two years ago before breaking his ankle in practice prior to a January playoff game. It required surgery and sidelined him until early August. He was cut by Tennessee and, still slowed by the ankle problem, he did not sign with any team last season.

“He has speed,” Hixon said. “He’s a big-time player. I feel real good about him, but we just have to see what he does in games.”

Williams hurt a pinkie finger attempting to make a catch Sunday morning and was sidelined in the afternoon. The Redskins aren’t yet sure how much time he’ll miss.

Marques Hagans, 5-10, 205 pounds

He’ll compete with Williams for the fifth and likely final receiver spot on the roster (assuming Washington keeps five receivers). Hagans finished 2008 on the Redskins’ practice squad and has nine career catches in parts of three NFL seasons.

He’ll play in the slot.

“He has that speed and quickness,” Hixon said. “I’ve been surprised by his speed.”

Antwaan Randle El, 5-10, 185 pounds

Randle El could be surpassed on the depth chart this summer. If the Redskins want their offense to improve, that has to happen. It would mean that Devin Thomas or Malcolm Kelly has improved. And that would make the offense more explosive.

Randle El is a solid No. 3 slot receiver, which is the role Washington envisions for him. He’s been fine in camp, but Kelly and Thomas have flashed more than Randle El. But will they do it when the games start?

Player of Note

Reed Doughty, Safety

Doughty was bothered by a bad back starting last training camp. It progressively got worse and eventually ended his season. But he’s looked healthy in camp and has been fast to the ball on numerous plays; his anticipation has been excellent. Chris Horton remains ahead of him on the depth chart, but Doughty makes the position a deep one.

Quarterback Watch

Todd Collins

Despite Colt Brennan’s popularity, Collins has a firm grip on the No. 2 quarterback job. The coaches are impressed with how much Collins has grasped the offense after spending most of his career in one system. They liked his offseason and remain confident that he could play if needed. Collins lacks the arm strength of Jason Campbell or Brennan, but relies on savvy. He didn’t use that savvy on one play during a two-minute drill Sunday when he threw to a covered Antwaan Randle El. Michael Grant made the easy interception.