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ASHBURN, Va. -- Just before practice, Jeff George received
word his newborn baby apparently has recovered from breathing
problems. It made Thursday's big news at work seem less
significant.
After practice, as George hurried to the hospital to be with his
wife and 1-day-old son, he was selected by coach Norv Turner as the
Washington Redskins' starting quarterback for Sunday's game at
Arizona.
"I think he was relieved, we all were relieved when he got the
phone call here that was very positive," Turner said.
George is starting because Brad Johnson sprained a knee ligament
during Monday night's 27-21 loss to Tennessee. Johnson was unable
to practice for the second consecutive day Thursday.
"I would think Brad will be out of the game," Turner said.
"I'd like for him to at least be able to dress, but I'm not sure
he'll even be able to do that."
George also didn't practice Wednesday as he attended the birth
of the son, his third child, leaving rookie Todd Husak as the only
healthy quarterback on the field.
On Thursday, Turner said there were concerns about the baby's
"irregular breathing." George spent part of his lunch hour on the
phone with his wife and was the first player off the field
following practice.
"I've got to tend to some personal business," he told
reporters as he headed toward his car.
George signed a four-year, $18.25 million contract in April to
back up Johnson. Although he's a proven quarterback who could start
for many teams, George said he wanted to play for a Super Bowl
contender. The Redskins wanted the best insurance money could buy
in case Johnson struggled or got hurt.
George has yet to play this season and has taken only about 10
percent of the snaps in practice, but his credentials mean there's
less anxiety about the quarterback switch.
"It eases your concern," Turner said. "You've got a guy
that's a veteran of a lot of games, a playoff quarterback, an
All-Pro quarterback coming in to play for you. I expect us to play
well on offense, and I expect Jeff to play well."
The Redskins have a bye following the Arizona game, but team
officials are uncertain whether Johnson will be able to return for
the following game, a Monday night trip to St. Louis.
"He's got a pretty tender knee," trainer Bubba Tyer said.
"Grade 2 sprains could be two weeks, could be four weeks."
Turner said he won't have to make fundamental changes to the
Arizona game plan because both Johnson and George are pocket
passers. However, Turner said he might tweak a few things to take
advantage of George's stronger arm.
"Jeff can throw the ball anywhere," receiver Andre Reed said.
"Brad is a more disciplined quarterback. When Jeff is out there,
the ball can go anywhere. You have to be on your toes."
Turner said he was concerned the distraction over the baby could
take away from George's preparation, but it didn't show on the
field Thursday.
"He had a very good practice," Turner said. "He's into it, in
terms of what we're doing."
Johnson's knee is just one entry on a lengthening Redskins
injury list. Linebacker Shawn Barber, who has a sprained knee, and
nickel back Darrell Green, with a calf injury, have been ruled out
for Sunday.
Guard Keith Sims will try to play again on his sore Achilles'
tendon, although he still isn't able to practice. Receiver Irving
Fryar will have to wear padding to protect a rib injury. The
receiving corps is so banged up that cornerback Champ Bailey is
getting more work on offense just in case.
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