Redskins back to receiver regulars

So when the Redskins open the season Thursday, it’ll be the same group as last year who will start. Will that be enough? The Redskins, of course, say yes. Coach Jim Zorn said not having Malcolm Kelly (injury) or Devin Thomas (ineffectiveness) not ready to contribute won’t cause them to run less of their playbook.

For starters, tight end Chris Cooley will serve as the fourth wideout when they use such an alignment.

“If Chris wasn’t able to handle a lot on offense,’’ Zorn said, “then I would question that, but he can. … It does give us some flexibility to handle the load with the three wide [receivers] if we need to.’’

If they use a second tight end in the passing game, it’ll be veteran Todd Yoder and not rookie Fred Davis, the third second-round pick. In the red zone, if they want more size, they would opt for Yoder and Cooley and two receivers. In other parts of the field they will split their running backs wide.

And on other downs, they’ll rely on Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle El and James Thrash.

But it essentially gives them the same look as last season when … pundits and scouts said they needed a big receiver to complete the offense.

“Let’s roll Big Three,’’ said Randle El, who will play despite a broken bone in his hand.

One difference this year, however, is Moss’ health. Last year he battled nagging injuries and had only 24 receptions in the first eight games. He couldn’t work out with Jason Campbell much in the offseason because of his leg woes; they lacked much on-field chemistry.

This summer, he hasn’t missed any time and they’ve connected much more this summer than in last year’s camp.

“You get a feel for each other and he gets a feel for your ball,’’ Campbell said. ‘’He’s put in a lot of work and Randle El has put in a lot of work. You can’t ask more of what they’re trying to do. They’re working as if they have something to prove.

“The overall improvement in continuity with Randle El, Santana, James and myself helps. The continuity and rhythm with them is there.’’

But at some point the Redskins will need Kelly or Thomas to contribute for the offense to flourish. Kelly, if he stays healthy, appears more ready than Thomas. But Kelly likely will miss the first two games.

“Those guys have a load of talent,’’ Moss said. “When their time comes, they’re gonna be ready.’’

Redskins notes


» Safety LaRon Landry (hamstring) and receiver Antwaan Randle El (hand) both participated in full practice Monday, meaning both will play Thursday at the New York Giants. Landry did not play in the preseason.

» In addition to defensive end Jason Taylor, receiver Malcolm Kelly (knee) and safety Kareem Moore (hamstring) did not practice Monday. Linebacker Khary Campbell (thigh) was limited.

» Blache would not say which corners would start Thursday. Carlos Rogers, Fred Smoot and Shawn Springs all have worked with the first unit this summer. Springs has spent more time as the nickel corner.

» But Blache did say that Kedric Golston would start ahead of Anthony Montgomery at tackle. However, both will play about the same amount.

» Landry said 20 family members were living with him or his brother Dawan after evacuating Louisiana because of Hurricane Gustav. Blache also has family in Louisiana as well as Mississippi.

» Coach Jim Zorn already has fined players for being late to meetings ($1,631 per the collective bargaining agreement) as well as for various uniform violations. He also admits he’s let a few things go.

“If it’s blatant, I’ll talk to guys and they have complied,’’ he said.

Clinton Portis tends to contribute much to the league via uniform fines. “I kind of have to pick my battles here,’’ Zorn said. ‘’If he wears socks up above his knees and his pads are showing, I ask myself this, ‘Do I want to go over there and just rip him?’ It’s socks.’”