TK Posted November 15, 2003 Share Posted November 15, 2003 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A42907-2003Nov14.html Redskins Notebook Early-Season Injury Luck Is Now Reversing Itself By Nunyo Demasio Washington Post Staff Writer Saturday, November 15, 2003; Page D12 It seemed as though the Washington Redskins had put an injury hex on their early-season opponents, beginning in the season opener against the New York Jets, who were without quarterback Chad Pennington (fractured left wrist). The spell continued in Week 2, when the Redskins faced the Atlanta Falcons minus quarterback Michael Vick (broken foot). In Week 4, the New England Patriots were without nine of their opening-day starters while facing the Redskins at FedEx Field. The Redskins exploited their injury-plagued opponents for a 3-1 start, their best since 1999. But the injury jinx came back to bite them during their recent four-game losing streak. Now, the Redskins are pleased when practice ends without their injury list growing. "Nobody got hurt in practice -- that we know of," Coach Steve Spurrier yesterday, smiling. "Most guys are available." Fourteen Redskins are on the injured list. The most serious injuries are to tailback Ladell Betts (arm), cornerback Rashad Bauman (ankle) and center Larry Moore (foot). The three won't play Sunday when the Redskins face the Carolina Panthers at Ericsson Stadium. After suffering concussions last Sunday, safety Matt Bowen and fullback Bryan Johnson will play. So will kick returner Chad Morton (sprained ankle), who missed the Seattle game. Receiver Laveranues Coles, who has been limping with a toe injury, also will play. Cornerbacks Fred Smoot (chest) and Champ Bailey (wrist/shoulder) have played the past few games despite their injuries. But defensive tackle Jermaine Haley (fractured thumb, sprained shoulder) will miss his third game in four weeks. Lional Dalton will start his third straight game in place of Haley. After being acquired in a trade during training camp, Dalton was on the inactive list for four straight games. "Every team in the NFL goes through a phase where you have to count on your backups to play," Bowen said, "And the teams that win during those phases go to the playoffs." Of course, the most scrutinized injury on either team belongs to former Redskins tailback Stephen Davis. But his former teammates expect the running back to try performing as if he has a bionic ankle. The Panthers have only three players on their injured list -- all with ankle ailments -- including defensive end Michael Rucker and linebacker Jason Kyle. More Split Backfield Duties Despite being praised by the coaching staff for gaining 81 yards on 13 rushes last week, Rock Cartwright won't start at tailback Sunday. The role will remain with tailback Trung Canidate, who has been hobbled with a sprained ankle. However, Cartwright should get an extensive amount of carries again. "Rock can end up playing the whole game," said offensive coordinator Hue Jackson. "It really doesn't matter who starts. Whoever's carrying the ball needs to be violent and makes the extra yard." . . . Defensive tackle Darrell Russell has received between 20 and 25 snaps in two games since joining the Redskins following 11/2 seasons without playing football. The former Oakland Raider describes himself as being 75 percent. Russell has improved his physical condition enough where the Redskins plan on giving him a season-high 30 to 35 plays on Sunday. "I'm getting more comfortable," Russell said." . . . Despite battling injuries, Bailey is the sole Redskin to make Sports Illustrated's midseason all-NFL team, which is compiled by general managers and pro scouts. © 2003 The Washington Post Company Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoCalMike Posted November 15, 2003 Share Posted November 15, 2003 Umm, how in the hell did Bailey make the all-NFL team? Unless he made it as 2nd team, backup, or substitute. Bailey hasn't been bad, but he has given up some HUGE catches this season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terpfan Posted November 15, 2003 Share Posted November 15, 2003 Originally posted by NoCalMike Umm, how in the hell did Bailey make the all-NFL team? Unless he made it as 2nd team, backup, or substitute. Bailey hasn't been bad, but he has given up some HUGE catches this season. i know bailey and not coles? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inmate running the asylum Posted November 15, 2003 Share Posted November 15, 2003 Bailey doesn't deserve it based on his season so far. Coles deserves it. Maybe Randy Thomas would also be a canidate, if we were not using a running back by committee approach and we had a top RB in yardage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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