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News & Notes: Springs Questionable For Eagles Game

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Shawn Springs sat out practice for the third day in a row on Friday, putting into question his availability for this Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Springs has been slowed by a calf injury suffered last week against Dallas.

Officially, he is listed as questionable.

Jim Zorn said the team would re-evaluate Springs' status at game time.

"I want to see what happens on Sunday with him," Zorn said. "He would be one guy I would play without the reps."

If Springs can't play, then Carlos Rogers and Fred Smoot would likely start at cornerback for the Redskins. Leigh Torrence would serve in nickel packages.

Rogers, in particular, is coming off one of his best games as a pro.

The fourth-year cornerback helped shut down Terrell Owens in the second half of the Redskins' 26-24 win over Dallas last Sunday.

"Carlos is really growing up and he is a big-time corner right now," defensive coordinator Greg Blache said. "He is playing exceptionally well against some big-time receivers and offenses."

Meantime, Marcus Washington is also a game time decision as he continues to overcome a hamstring injury.

"I suspect he's going to be able to play," Zorn added.

Washington played through the injury last week, but was limited in practice this week.


If he can't play against Philadelphia, then H.B. Blades would likely draw the start at strong-side linebacker.

-- HEYER IS DOUBTFUL

Stephon Heyer said Friday that his injured shoulder still does not feel fully healthy.

He is doubtful for Sunday's game at Philadelphia.

"Day by day, it gets a little better, but I'm not where I need to be," Heyer said after sitting out Friday's practice.

Heyer aggravated the injury blocking on a field goal attempt in the Dallas game last week.

"Heyer is still down," Jim Zorn said. "I would say it's not looking good for him to be up."

Ten-year vet Jon Jansen is expected to start in place of Heyer at right tackle.

-- PORTIS MOVING UP

With last Sunday's 121-yard performance against the Dallas Cowboys, Clinton Portis set a Redskins record for most 100-yard games.

Portis surpassed Hall of Famer John Riggins and Larry Brown, who rushed for 100 yards 19 times in their careers.

Portis has played for the Redskins since 2004. For his career, he has topped the century mark 38 times.

His teams are 29-9 in games that he rushes for 100 yards, including a 17-3 mark with the Redskins.

With 890 more rushing yards, Portis would move pass Brown and Stephen Davis and move into second place on the franchise list.

-- SHHH...OFFENSE HAS NO TURNOVERS

It's a topic that the Redskins are addressing quietly: the offense has no interceptions or fumbles through the first four games.

Who wants to jinx a good thing by focusing on it?

"We make a point to emphasize not turning the ball over every day in practice," Jason Campbell said. "Our defense does a good job of trying to knock the ball out of our hands. They're always trying to make us aware of it."

Added Clinton Portis: "We just don't go out there thinking about turning the ball over. We know that can cause us to lose. We know we have to protect the ball to win."

-- KELLY NOT READY YET

Jim Zorn said he intends to deactivate rookie Malcolm Kelly for Sunday's game at Philadelphia.

"He just hasn't participated in our team responsibilities for me to feel comfortable with him running the routes," Zorn said.

Kelly has made progress since coming back from an ankle injury suffered in Week 2, Zorn said.

"I have been excited that in what he has done he has been able to go full speed now," Zorn said.

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