Several injuries have lessened Taylor’s impact
The play develops like many Jason Taylor remembered: he’s getting upfield against an offensive tackle, closing in on the quarterback. They’re just ending a lot differently. Like with no sack. Or even a pressure.
“I’m eagerly anticipating the day where I feel like myself again and can go out and put on a show,” Taylor said. “There were a couple plays where I beat the tackle and had a chance to turn the corner and get a hit on the quarterback and I couldn’t do it.”
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In Sunday’s 14-11 win over Cleveland on Sunday, Taylor recorded no tackles despite being on the field for 52 snaps. For the season he has 12 tackles and only one sack; he has 118 sacks for his career, the most among active players.
Washington hoped for more impact when he replaced the injured Phillip Daniels. But Taylor missed a week of training camp with a knee injury, returning in time for the opener. And he had compartmental syndrome in his left calf, causing him to miss two games.
Taylor, who typically practices despite being only “60 percent” healthy, had the stitches removed this week from his Sept. 22 surgery.
“It’s one of those things where if I’m not playing football it would probably heal in a month,” he said. “But the great thing is the team is winning; it’s given me a reprieve. I feel like I’m not helping a whole lot and they are winning.”
The progress is measured in increments. The swelling has decreased; the bleeding has slowed; the bandage is smaller.
“At times I can,” defensive line coach John Palermo said of seeing the old Taylor. “It’s more the wear and tear as it progresses. … I did see some spring in his get-off on Sunday. I hope that continues on. It’s a work in progress. We’ve got to get him healthy.”
Redskins notes
» Defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin (shoulder) might not play this week, giving him a little time to heal a shoulder that has bothered him much of the season.
Corner Shawn Springs (calf), running back Clinton Portis (hip), corner Fred Smoot (groin), safety Chris Horton (ankle), guard Pete Kendall (knees) and tight end Todd Yoder (sore hamstring) did not practice. Springs is not expected to play.
» Rookie receiver Malcolm Kelly underwent an MRI Monday and Redskins coach Jim Zorn said a decision will be made within a week about whether or not he should be placed on injured reserve.
Kelly has had his knee drained three times.
