ASHBURN, Va. – The Washington Redskins return for more work, most likely in the bubble as heavy rain is in the weather forecast. Here are three areas of interest:
Injuries. If DeSean Jackson doesn’t practice, it wouldn’t make sense at all to play him. Jackson hasn’t practiced all week and with the field likely being wet Sunday, it doesn’t make sense to rush him. Jackson knows his legs are what make him special, so you must protect your assets. And if he doesn’t practice Friday, it’s really tough to see him playing Sunday – even if it is against his former team. The other injury to watch is corner Chris Culliver. Coach Jay Gruden said he was optimistic that Culliver would return Friday after being unable to practice Thursday because of a sore knee. If he can’t, there could be more problems in the Redskins’ secondary. Linebacker Perry Riley (calf) also didn't practice, but the Redskins are in good shape with his backup, Will Compton, starting.
The hurricane. One hour it appears like the Washington area will get drenched only to have a different forecast appear. But the Redskins and the NFL should have a better idea Friday as Hurricane Joaquin in the Bahamas turns north. As of Thursday night the game was going to go off at 1 p.m., as scheduled. But that could change if there’s a shift in the storm’s path. (The latest models suggest it will head out to sea.)
Quinton Dunbar. If Culliver can’t play, then Quinton Dunbar might be pressed into action at corner. That’s a long way from what anyone thought would happen when he switched from receiver early in training camp. The Redskins promoted him off the practice squad ahead of Deshazor Everett, who made the initial 53-man roster. Redskins defensive coordinator Joe Barry said, “The thing that gives [Dunbar] a chance is simply the physical traits he has. He’s a big, long kid that can run. Those are good places to start when you’re talking about an NFL corner.”