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News | Washington Commanders - Commanders.com

Rogers Addresses His Role After Benching

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Carlos Rogers is uncertain of his role in this Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys, but he hopes to at least serve in a supporting role.

Rogers was benched in the first quarter of last Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos.

"I made a mistake, it happened, and whatever the consequences are, I have to deal with it," Rogers said on Wednesday. "If that's not playing, then I'm there to support the team. I don't think I'll be strictly benched--maybe I'll come off the bench. I'm not saying that's the case, I don't know right now.

"Whatever my role is, I'm here to support the team. If I'm out there, I'm going to continue to prepare and practice and study like I am a starter."

Later on Wednesday, Rogers was on the practice field and split first-team reps with Fred Smoot and Justin Tryon. Rookie Lendy Holmes also saw action at cornerback.

Head coach Jim Zorn indicated that no decision had been made who would start opposite DeAngelo Hall at cornerback.

"He worked very hard in practice, he had his mind right on the practice and right in the game planning," Zorn said. "He didn't skip a beat. He wasn't pouting at all...He responded like a real professional. I know I appreciate that."

Secondary-cornerbacks coach Jerry Gray was asked if he expected Rogers to play on Sunday.

"Of course," Gray replied.

In Sunday's 27-17 win over Denver, Rogers yielded a 40-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brandon Marshall last Sunday.

He was replaced on the field by Fred Smoot on the next drive.

Marshall used a double-move to get by Rogers. He was wide open and easily hauled in the pass from quarterback Kyle Orton for the score, putting the Redskins in an early 7-0 deficit.

"I just need to stay with my eyes on the receiver longer," Rogers said. "I want to be on my receiver and I want to be tight and tough. That's the only thing I can do, that's the only thing [secondary-cornerbacks coach] Jerry Gray told me I should do.

"Don't stop being aggressive, don't stop being a physical corner, just keep your eyes on the receiver."

Rogers has started every game this year and has posted 24 tackles and seven passes defended.

He was the Redskins' first-round draft pick (ninth overall) in the 2005 NFL Draft.

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