Samuels could be out for a month

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Washington Redskins left tackle Chris Samuels will be sidelined up to four weeks after spraining the medial collateral ligament in his right knee during yesterday's practice.

An MRI late last night confirmed the initial diagnosis. Samuels tore the MCL in the same knee in 2003, causing him to miss three games.

If Samuels misses four weeks, he still would be available for the Redskins' season opener Sept. 9 against Miami.

On a passing play to the right side, Samuels was blocking defensive end Demetric Evans. Defensive tackle Joe Salave'a said he fell into Samuels' knee from behind as Samuels was going to the ground.

"I thought it was over for the season [when it happened]," Samuels said before heading to the MRI exam. "But the Good Lord blessed me. I know that I'm fine. ... I think I'm OK. I didn't feel anything pop. We'll see how long it takes to get back on the field."

Samuels was helped off the field and carted to the training room, where he was examined by the training staff.

"He was going down to the ground and had his knee bent," director of sports medicine Bubba Tyer said. "He said it could have been worse if his knee was straight."

With Samuels on the sideline, Jason Fabini (114 career starts) likely would move into the position. Coach Joe Gibbs ruled out left guard Todd Wade moving back to his natural tackle position.

The Redskins' offensive line missed only one "man game" to injury last year but now is without two starters. Right guard Randy Thomas has not practiced this training camp because of right knee soreness. But he did some running drills yesterday and will do individual drills today.

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