Kelly finally seems to be recovered from his nagging hamstring injury. Kelly said he’s anxious to play Thursday after a frustrating rookie season in 2008.

“For the first time in a long time I went the whole year without making a lot of plays on the field,” he said. “It’s a pride thing. You know what you can do and you want to show people.”

He said the hamstring, which he tweaked Friday, didn’t concern him.

“The hamstring was a little hiccup but as long as the knee was good, I’m not worried about anything else,” he said.

D.J. Hackett • 6-2, 208 pounds

Hackett is not a special teams player, but that won’t prevent him from winning the fifth receiver spot. Coach Jim Zorn said Monday they won’t overlook production as a receiver when it comes to making the final decision.

However, the Redskins want to add speed and Hackett rarely runs past defensive backs on the field.

“Obviously I like his height,” said receivers coach Stan Hixon. “I wouldn’t say he’s a burner, but he’s a good route runner. He knows how to get open.”

Devin Thomas • 6-2, 215 pounds

Thomas practiced Tuesday and Zorn said he expects him to start at the flanker, or Z receiver, position. Thomas’ size and physical play suits this position. But he must show he can stay healthy and run the right routes. On one play in practice Tuesday, he botched a red zone play by running the wrong route. However, he also showed good hands on several sideline catches.

PLAYER OF NOTE

Jeremy Bridges • OL

Bridges is still recovering from his sprained ankle and is unlikely to play against Baltimore Thursday. Bridges has worked mostly at tackle in camp, struggling mightily on the left side. However, he has started at right guard for Carolina and Arizona and might better serve the Redskins at that spot, should Randy Thomas be unable to play. He’s worth a long look inside.

QB WATCH

Colt Brennan

Perhaps no quarterback is more anxious for the preseason than Brennan, who became a fan favorite during the 2008 preseason. Brennan has been spotty in practices as he continues to refine his technique. Tuesday, he had a pass batted down and another intercepted. But he also connected downfield. Brennan has done a better job staying in the pocket and throwing in rhythm. But his mostly sidearm delivery requires a good passing lane.

– John Keim