Kicking plans unclear

Kicking for the Atlanta Falcons this week will be Morten Andersen, a 24-year NFL veteran who has 536 career field goals.

Kicking for the Washington Redskins on Sunday will be Nick Novak (13 career field goals), newcomer Shaun Suisham (four career field goals) or both.

The latest kicker issue has come about because Novak has missed five of his 10 attempts since replacing John Hall last month. Suisham was signed to the practice squad Tuesday.

Coach Joe Gibbs said yesterday at Redskin Park there are three possible scenarios for the game: Novak will remain the kicker; Suisham will be signed to the active roster and assume the duties; or both kickers will play — Novak for field goals and extra points and Suisham for kickoffs.

Gibbs ruled out bringing in another kicker before the Atlanta game, namely veteran Mike Vanderjagt, who was released by Dallas on Monday.

“We’ll take a good look at everything and then size up our situation,” Gibbs said. “[Having two kickers playing] wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibilities, but I haven’t done it before. We’ll do what makes the most sense for us and make a decision at the end of the week.”

The Redskins’ recent history with kickers has been one of nonstop turnover. Since Gibbs returned to the team in 2004, John Hall, Ola Kimrin, Jeff Chandler and Novak — not to mention three punters — have kicked.

Suisham appeared in games for Dallas and San Francisco earlier this season.

“It’s like a regular practice week for me,” he said. “I’ll kick the next two days and possibly Friday, and then it’s in the coach’s hands. I’ve bounced around the last two years, so it’s almost normal for me. It’s not awkward at all.”

Novak has missed kicks in four of his six games this season.

“I don’t know how many kickers haven’t gone through some ups and downs, and the ones that are still in the league are the ones that can get over it, get through it and get better,” he said. “That’s the way life [as a kicker] is. I’m trying to get through it.”

Moss getting there

Santana Moss had three catches for only 12 yards against Carolina, but he made it through the game with no further hamstring problems. He missed the Dallas game, played at Philadelphia and missed the Tampa Bay defeat.

“You’re going to be a little off because you haven’t been out there running,” Moss said. “It takes time in practice and games to get your legs under you. I’ll get all of that back when I practice more. I didn’t have my legs for the game. I was fresh and quick, and the more work I get, the legs will come back.”

Said Gibbs: “The first part of the game he was hesitant. The good thing is that the last time he went hard, he was sore for the next week, but he’s not sore now.”

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