Redskins notebook, 08/23/10

Published August 24, 2010 4:00am ET



Quarterback watch

Donovan McNabb

Position review » Special teamsKeiland WilliamsWilliams has inserted himself into the running back competition with one good game and another that was decent. But he could separate himself from other potential backups with his work on special teams. Williams posted average numbers, with three kickoffs for a 23.7-yard average vs. Baltimore. But at least one teammate is anxious to see more. “Some of the younger guys don’t trust the wedge as much,” said Lorenzo Alexander, who is part of the blocking wedge. “Once Williams figures it out, he’s going to be nice.”Devin ThomasThe reason Thomas can still help the Redskins was on display Saturday. He returned one kickoff 36 yards, fielding it eight yards deep in the end zone. Thomas understands how much he needs to hit the wedge before cutting. Returning kicks allows him to feature his running instincts and his explosiveness. Thomas also threw a good block on another return and covers kickoffs. So if he’s not going to excel as a receiver he at least can still provide help.Nick SundbergThe young long snapper was headed for the unemployment line after a week or so in camp. In that time he caused several missed field goals by Graham Gano with snaps that skidded on the ground. However, Sundberg has impressed the coaches since that time — and especially since the team signed veteran James Dearth. Sundberg snapped well in the preseason opener vs. Buffalo and again Saturday night against Baltimore. Dearth has been fine as well, but it’s no longer a guarantee that Sundberg will be cut.

McNabb did not practice Monday because of a sprained left ankle that required him to wear a protective boot during the day. It’s uncertain how much time he’ll miss in practice this week or what his status is yet for Friday’s game vs. the New York Jets. Considering he’s still working on his timing with these receivers, and in this offense, it would be a minor setback if he can’t play. The starters typically play into the third quarter in the third preseason game. McNabb has made some big plays, but he’s also still learning to trust his receivers. He’s thrown behind them on several occasions. But he’s also shown an ability to stay poised in the pocket, slide to avoid pressure and make plays.

Player of note

WR Malcolm Kelly

The third-year receiver still hasn’t returned to practice. The Redskins had hoped he would return this week, but Kelly’s hamstring, which has kept him out since July 29, is still bothering him. Coach Mike Shanahan sounded pessimistic about Kelly’s chances of playing vs. the New York Jets on Friday. He also said to have a hamstring injury last so long is unusual. “I’m keeping my fingers crossed that he can come back or that it’s not anything worse than a hamstring,” Shanahan said. The only reason Kelly still has a chance to make the roster is that the receiving corps is thin. Kelly did play all 16 games last season.

News & notes

» Free safety Kareem Moore underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and will miss four to six weeks, Shanahan said. If that’s the case, he would miss the Sept. 12 season opener vs. Dallas. “I feel sorry for him,” Redskins defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said. “He worked hard to get to this spot in his life. This is a setback for him. We’ll miss him, but we have good backups, so we’ll hold it down and be fine.”

» Haslett said Reed Doughty or Chris Horton will replace Horton, though Horton said earlier in the day that Doughty would start. “Obviously I want to step in there and feel no step was missed so that we’re 1A and 1B and not 1 and 2,” Doughty said. “Hopefully he’ll get back quick.”

» The Redskins signed SS Tyrone Carter and cut linebacker Chris Draft. Carter, in his 11th season, spent the last four years in Pittsburgh and is familiar with the system.

» Fullback Mike Sellers said he has a mild sprain of his knee. He’s questionable for Friday’s game vs. the New York Jets.

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