QB sits out of practice, will miss game vs. Jets
ASHBURN – The Redskins will get a chance to see what life would be like without Donovan McNabb. Considering he’s played in 16 games only once in the past six years, it could be a preview.
McNabb won’t play in Friday’s preseason game against the New York Jets because of a sprained ankle. Rex Grossman is expected to start in his place.
McNabb did not wear a protective boot on his left foot Tuesday, as he had the previous day. He also was able to walk on a treadmill. However, he did not participate in practice.
“I don’t think it’s too bad,” Shanahan said of McNabb, “but it’s sore enough that he couldn’t play if it was a regular season game.”
That means this is a good opportunity for Grossman. McNabb has missed 18 games combined in the past six years. So Grossman should benefit from working with the first unit for an extended time.
McNabb, who wasn’t available for comment Tuesday, isn’t the only Redskin who will miss Friday’s game. Fullback Mike Sellers (knee) and receiver Malcolm Kelly (hamstring) also will be sidelined. For Kelly, it’s not a surprise considering he hasn’t practiced since July 29.
If the Redskins had real depth at receiver, Kelly could have been cut by now. But they don’t and Kelly, if he can return for the preseason finale, still can make the roster.
“Let’s not count anybody out,” Shanahan said. “Let’s take it day by day.”
Shanahan said Kelly ran some routes in practice and that he’s almost running full speed straight ahead.
“Hopefully he’ll be able to go next week [at Arizona],” Shanahan said.
Meanwhile, not playing in the third preseason game — or even practicing this week — hurts McNabb’s ability to further develop the timing with his receivers. Traditionally, teams play their starters more in this game and only sparingly in the fourth one, if at all.
McNabb has been inconsistent in his two games, completing 14 of 36 passes for 264 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He did have a number of passes dropped vs. Baltimore. But he was off target on other passes, throwing behind his receivers or underthrowing others downfield.
“He’s working at it,” Shanahan said. “Anytime you’re in a new system, it takes some time. It doesn’t happen overnight. If you work everyday at it and as much as you can, you’re going to get better, you’re going to pick it up. He feels a lot more comfortable than he did a few months ago, that’s for sure.”
