WP: Injuries Keep Jacobs on The Sideline

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Injuries Keep Jacobs on The Sideline

By Jason La Canfora

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/29/AR2005082901962_pf.html

Another preseason is coming to an end, and again Taylor Jacobs is on the sideline. The Redskins' oft-injured wide receiver is highly unlikely to play in Thursday's exhibition finale, and has not taken the field since dislocating a capsule in his big toe during a scrimmage Aug. 6 in Baltimore.

The expectation was that this would be Jacobs's breakout season, and he entered training camp third on the depth chart. It remains to be seen whether he will even be healthy enough to enter Week 1 on the active roster, and the 24-year-old is desperate to return to practice next week. "It's kind of rough going," Jacobs said. "People are saying, 'Hallelujah, Taylor Jacobs is hurt, here we go again.' I just try to use the good times against the bad."

Jacobs is optimistic that the new orthotics for his spikes that are on order will aid his recovery. He can run well straight ahead but has trouble cutting.

The coaches are hoping to get a look at Jacobs in drills as soon as possible to determine if he can be featured in early-season game plans.

"It's really critical, it's really critical," wide receivers coach Stan Hixon said. "He needs to get back as soon as he can."

Mohr, Just in Case

Uncertainty about punter Tom Tupa (back) led the Redskins to sign veteran punter Chris Mohr. Mohr, 39, entered the league in 1986 and spent last season in Atlanta. He is expected to play extensively Thursday, while Tupa, 39, saw a specialist in Los Angeles yesterday for a second opinion (results will be available today). Mohr has worked with many of Washington's coaches throughout his career and also teamed with long snapper Ethan Albright for five years in Buffalo.

"We felt like [Mohr] was somebody we need to look at," Coach Joe Gibbs said. "He's got tons of experience and he's an excellent holder. . . . We're just trying to do the best we can to make sure we make the right selection there for who's going to get the job."

First-year pro Andy Groom has been handling the punting duties but is a long shot to make the team.

Injuries Slow Bowen

Safety Matt Bowen spent the weekend in the hospital after suffering severe bruising in his chest during Friday's game. Bowen, who missed a chunk of training camp with a knee injury and required season-ending knee surgery last season, is likely to return to practice next week, director of sports medicine Bubba Tyer said. . . . Safety Ryan Clark, starting cornerback Walt Harris and starting tight end Robert Royal are back from lingering injuries and expected to play Thursday in Baltimore. . . . Clark said his entire extended family has been evacuated from New Orleans because of Hurricane Katrina. Clark, who owns a home in the area, said almost all have relocated to Houston, including his father, who is a foreman at a levee and often has to work through such storms. "It's just scary, man," Clark said. "All you can do is just pray." . . .

Running back Ladell Betts missed practice with a walking cast on his left ankle, but it was removed last night and he expects to practice this week. Cornerback Ade Jimoh missed practice with a shoulder stinger suffered in Friday's game, but the injury is minor. Rookie linebacker Robert McCune suffered a pulled groin in practice, and is day-to-day. . . . Gibbs said the Redskins have discussed the possibility of signing star defensive end Corey Simon, who was released of his franchise tag by Philadelphia on Sunday, but did not expect to contend seriously for his services because of salary cap concerns. Washington is about $2.15 million under the cap, league sources said.