'No setbacks' as Jamison rehabs

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By Mike Fratto

Antawn Jamison took another step in his rehabilitation Thursday, reporting no problems after participating in noncontact drills for about 45 minutes at an optional practice before the Washington Wizards boarded a plane to Indiana for Friday's game against the Pacers.

"I've been shooting and going hard. No limitations as far as shot numbers or range or anything of that nature," Jamison said afterward. "It's just no contact - they don't want me getting hit or pushing or shoving. But we haven't had any limitations as far as drills, running, shooting or anything like that."

Although Jamison is antsy to get back, the Wizards are taking a careful approach with the All-Star forward and are sticking to the original timetable for his return of three to five weeks. Jamison partially dislocated his right shoulder in a preseason game against Cleveland on Oct. 14.

"Everything is going according to plan. No setbacks whatsoever," he said. "The toughest part is being patient and just continuing to just rest it up."

Jamison said he is encouraged by the way his body has responded.

"Whatever the coaching staff wants me to do, I can do it," he said. "It's just sticking with the timetable as far as no contact and things of that nature. I feel pretty good though."

Foye ready to step in

In the wake of losing Mike Miller for seven to 10 days with a sprained left shoulder, Washington's depth will be tested even more. But Randy Foye said the team is equipped to handle such a situation.

No announcement regarding the lineup has been made, but the fourth-year guard made a start against New Jersey when Caron Butler sat out and is the most likely candidate to step into Miller's spot in the starting lineup.

"At the guard positions, we are really deep," Foye said. "No matter who goes down or who goes out, we have someone there who can do just as much as the guy who was in that position."

Miller suffered the injury while attempting to run through a screen early in the third quarter Wednesday. He briefly went back to the locker room area but came back to the bench and returned to the game. Later on, Miller fell hard on the shoulder, ending his night.

No matter whom coach Flip Saunders calls on against the Pacers, Washington will roll out its third different starting lineup in the first six games.

"The unique thing about this team is that when a guy goes down, we have so many different guys that can play multiple positions that guys can just slide in and make the transition and hold it down for the teammate until he comes back," Foye said.