Redskins’ Taylor practices

Published 7:44 pm Thursday, October 9, 2008

WASHINGTON — Defensive end Jason Taylor practiced for the first time since undergoing surgery on his left calf, and said he hopes to be getting some snaps Sunday against the St. Louis Rams. Taylor still has stitches in his calf from the emergency procedure, done Sept. 22 to relieve compartment syndrome, and has some concern about re-opening that cut, but took a limited role in practice.

Taylor said he “did a little bit of everything” during practice, working on running and passing plays, and he was enthused to be practicing with his teammates. Now, he must see how the injury responds, but believes he can play.

“I think it is (realistic) for me right now,” Taylor said after practice. “But we’ve got to wait to see what happens in the next 24 hours.”

Taylor said the decision whether to play will not be his alone, with coaches and doctors also involved. Coach Jim Zorn has said that if Taylor can practice Friday without a setback, then he would dress against the Rams. Taylor, 34, said he has felt a little bit like “an outsider” in recent weeks, unable to participate in drills, and is eager to help the team win and build on his sack totals.

Zorn said the team could “wait until the last minute” Sunday to make decisions on several injured players. Cornerback Shawn Springs (calf) showed quickness in practice, Zorn said, and Springs says he will play Sunday. Right tackle Stephon Heyer (shoulder) also took a limited role in practice, but Zorn is unsure of his playing status as of now.

Safety Reed Doughty (back) sat out all of practice again and is very doubtful to play, Zorn said. Linebacker Marcus Washington (hamstring) missed practice again and would have to practice well Friday to be able to play. Defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin (shoulder) was also out again, and he may not be able to play Sunday as well.

With Doughty likely out, Zorn said Springs could play safety in certain packages Sunday, especially in the three-safety set (“Cobra”) alongside starters Chris Horton and LaRon Landry.