Redskins notes
» Tight end Chris Cooley missed his first practice since joining the Redskins in 2004, sitting out with a sore quad muscle. Cooley said he wasn’t worried about playing Sunday, but he was annoyed at having to sit out Wednesday. “I’m very frustrated,” Cooley said. “It was a goal of mine to not miss a practice. At the same time, I don’t think I had an option.”
Linebackers Marcus Washington (hamstring) and Khary Campbell (thigh) did not practice. Coach Jim Zorn said Washington would be fine for Sunday. Also, defensive end Jason Taylor missed the last part of team drills after his knee got tangled up during an individual drill. But Zorn said Taylor was OK.
» Receiver Malcolm Kelly (knee) practiced and participated with the first team during team drills. Kelly said he was finally able to run full speed without any hesitation. He said he’s ready to contribute. “I don’t see why not,” he said. “There’s no such thing as a redshirt.” But Zorn, though encouraged by Kelly — and praising tight end Fred Davis’ practice — said he’s not confident the wideout will even be active Sunday. “He did a nice job when he was [sidelined],” Zorn said of Kelly. “He didn’t make too many mistakes.”
» Saints receiver Marques Colston won’t play against the Redskins after having surgery on his thumb. The Saints had four other players who did not practice Wednesday: linebacker Scott Fujita (knee), corner Randall Gay (illness), safety Roman Harper (hamstring) and defensive tackle Antwan Lake (groin).
Week 2 opponent breakdown » Three things we know about the Saints
1. Reggie Bush is a changed player » A more determined Bush participated more heavily in offseason conditioning and it appears to have helped. The Saints are doing a better job of getting him in space. He had three plays of at least 25 yards in the opener; he had no such plays last year.
2. The Saints’ defense finally has a middle linebacker » Adding Jonathan Vilma in the offseason has helped considerably. He’s a sideline-to-sideline player and it helps playing behind a good defensive line, bolstered by the addition of rookie tackle Sedrick Ellis, who was disruptive vs. Tampa Bay.
3. Drew Brees is in a good rhythm » He’s very comfortable in this offense and it shows, audibilizing to a touchdown pass vs. Tampa. Brees showed outstanding accuracy vs. the Bucs, constantly hitting receivers in stride. He’ll also go for the kill with deep strikes. Brees is adept at looking off defensive backs and throwing the other way.
