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Players Get Extra Rest

Redskins quarterback Mark Brunell had to leave Sunday's game with an injury to his left hamstring in the third quarter. Coach Joe Gibbs says Brunell's status is day to day.

Coach Joe Gibbs is altering the Washington Redskins' routine this week with an extra day to prepare for the Dallas Cowboys, who visit FedEx Field on Monday night. The players are getting a bit more rest, but their weekend schedule will be heavier than usual.

The team was off Monday as the coaches pored over the film from Sunday's 20-14 loss to the New York Giants. Some players trickled in for treatment, but the players did not have to get on the field for a walk-through or any light drills, things the team normally does on a Monday. Gibbs is putting the onus on individual players on light work days like that; if a player feels he needs additional time watching film or meeting with coaches, that option is available, but for general purposes the team is off.

Yesterday, the players had a relatively brief afternoon practice and spent the morning in meetings with coaches going over film. Tuesday is normally a day off for players at Redskins Park. Instead, the players will be off today, with only those needing medical treatment required to come to the practice facility.

That trip could prove important for veterans like starting quarterback Mark Brunell, who is trying to recover from a left hamstring strain he suffered in New York. If Brunell responds well enough to treatment to practice Thursday, then it will greatly improve his odds of being able to play Monday night. But that seems unlikely at this point. [Read More: Ramsey Is Likely Starter]

Thursday will mark the return to a full day of work for the players. They will have a full afternoon practice and begin building up to Monday's game in earnest. That schedule will continue Friday, when the team normally practices earlier in the day and leaves Redskins Park earlier. Saturday, which is normally a day of rest, will feature another practice and Sunday will be off for the players. The team will gather Sunday night at a hotel near FedEx Field for their normal routine before a home game.

Next week also will be unusual for the team as it will have a shorter time to prepare for the Oct. 3 game at Cleveland.

-- Jason La Canfora