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Moss could handle punt return duties

By David Elfin (Contact) | Tuesday, September 16, 2008

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Antwaan Randle El's huge day as a punt returner for Pittsburgh against Washington in November 2004 was a big factor in the Redskins signing him to a six-year, $30 million contract 16 months later.

However, Randle El has been a bust as a punt returner for the Redskins. Sunday's fumble that set up New Orleans' first touchdown could lead to him being replaced by Santana Moss or sharing the role.

"I'm not down on [Randle El] at all," coach Jim Zorn said. "We just need to get more production. We've got Santana if we need to make a change. You'll see them both continue to work [at least in practice] as we go along."

Randle El averaged 9.5 yards as Pittsburgh's punt returner for four years. He averaged 8.8 yards for the Redskins in 2006, slipped to 6.1 in 2007 while dealing with a balky hamstring and knee and has a paltry 4.2-yard average through two games this season.

"In Pittsburgh, I wasn't on the field nearly as much, and doing punt returns I had a little bit more energy," Randle El said. "Maybe Santana will get back there a couple of times. We'll treat it as a 1-2 punch. I enjoy being back there. It's not a burden or anything like that. If they want to do the rotation, that's fine, but I'm going to get going. This year I plan to have a much better year."

Moss led the AFC with a 16.5-yard average for the New York Jets in 2002.

"I'm not back there for my health," Moss said about fielding punts in practice. "I told El if he needs a break, I'll be ready. I don't want to be a full-time guy, but if we switch up every now and then and put me back there, it will keep teams guessing."

Cooley regrets blog post

Redskins tight end Chris Cooley apologized Monday through a team spokesperson for a picture on his blog that exposed his groin area and included a pregame quiz for the team's tight ends.

"It was an accident," Cooley said. "When we realized it was up, we took it down immediately. We didn't mean to offend anybody, and we're very sorry it happened."