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News & Notes: Hall Returns to Practice

Kicker John Hall practiced for the first time since early September and he is officially listed as probable heading into Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers. Hall has been sidelined since the Week 1 game at Chicago with a quad injury.

Hall alternated with Nick Novak in the kicking duties during practice.

"John took some kicks today," head coach Joe Gibbs said. "He's been in kind of a week-to-week situation."

Since Hall's injury, the Redskins have been carrying two kickers on the roster, something that's a bit unusual. Gibbs has admitted that it has hamstrung the team at other positions, notably cornerback where the team could use an extra body due to injuries.

Gibbs said the team would likely continue to evaluate Hall's status up until game time. If he's not at 100 percent or there's any doubt about whether he could make it through a game, he likely won't play.

"It's something we'll take to later in the week," Gibbs said. "We want him to kick as much as he can to see how it feels. Also, it might come down as to whether we think he needs more time."

Novak, a rookie out of Maryland, has been solid as Hall's replacement, connecting on 4-of-6 field goal attempts, including a 39-yard game-winner in Week 4 against Seattle. He has been noticeably short on his kickoffs, however.

Hall is a 9-year veteran who kicked three field goals in the Redskins' 9-7 win over the Chicago Bears in Week 1.

-- INJURY UPDATE: CLARK, KILLINGS QUESTIONABLE

Defensive tackle Cedric Killings was among a host of Redskins who sat out practice on Wednesday to rest injuries. Killings is listed as questionable for Sunday with an ankle sprain. He sustained the injury in the Week 6 game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Defensive tackle Joe Salave'a also missed practice due to a foot injury. He is listed as probable. With Cornelius Griffin and Ryan Boschetti the only two tackles at full health, the Redskins could be forced to activate rookie lineman Aki Jones this Sunday.

However, Gibbs seemed optimistic that Salave'a would be available for the 49ers game.

"Joe got some treatment today and he was held out," Gibbs said. "It's up to [assistant head coach-defense] Gregg Williams. Joe has been good in being able to play through injuries and we think we'll be able to get him back."

Meantime, safety Ryan Clark participated in practice on Wednesday after missing the Chiefs game. Clark is listed as questionable due to a bruised spleen.

Other players who sat out Wednesday's practice: running back Clinton Portis, center Casey Rabach, defensive cornerback Carlos Rogers. All are listed as probable.

Ladell Betts returned to practice on Wednesday after missing last the Chiefs game with a groin injury. He is also listed as probable.

-- SPRINGS EXPECTS TO PLAY

Cornerback Shawn Springs returned to practice on Wednesday and is listed as probable for Sunday's game. He was inactive for the Chiefs game due to a shin injury.

"I practiced today," Springs said. "I'm back to normal."

Asked if he expected to play this Sunday against the 49ers, Springs replied: "I'm playing for sure. I feel good. Coach Williams has been getting on me for having a week off, but I feel a lot better and I'll be back for Sunday."

Springs said it was tough to sit out the game against Kansas City.

"At some point, I feel I could have made a play or maybe helped chase Priest Holmes down on his touchdown," he said. "When you're standing on the sidelines, you feel like you're letting your teammates down. That's why I'm excited to get back this Sunday."

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