Game preview: Redskins at Jaguars

When: 7:30 p.m.

TV: Ch. 4, CSN

Last year’s records: Redskins 8-8 (last, NFC East); Jaguars 5-11 (last, AFC South)

Injuries: Redskins - DT Albert Haynesworth (illness), LB London Fletcher (foot), CB Carlos Rogers (calf) and RB Clinton Portis (ribs) won’t play. S Kareem Moore (hamstring) may be held out. Jaguars - DT Rob Meier, FB Montell Owens, S Marlon McCree and LT Tra Thomas did not practice earlier this week.

FIVE THINGS TO WATCH

1. Redskins’ backups vs. Jaguars’ starters - Washington’s starters went through their final steps against New England last week and aren’t expected to play more than one series. Not so for Jacksonville. Injuries have stunted the Jaguars’ progress, and coach Jack Del Rio plans to give some starters a long look after limiting them against Philadelphia last week. This will be a good test for Washington reserves who are attempting to solidify roster spots.

2. Penalties - The Redskins have been flagged 28 times for 203 yards, including 15 times for 113 yards against New England. Granted, the starters won’t play into the situation Thursday, but even when the youngsters are on the field, they must do a better job avoiding drive-killing or drive-extending penalties.

3. RBs Anthony Alridge and Dominique Dorsey - The newcomers have an extra gear than fan favorite Marcus Mason. Alridge missed two games with a toe injury but averaged 5.4 yards on nine carries last week. Dorsey has averaged 18.7 yards on kickoff returns and 6.0 yards on punt returns. Both players won’t make the team, but Alridge could make a case if he breaks a couple long runs.

4. The cornerback depth - Carlos Rogers will miss his third preseason game, and all indications are that his strained left calf could be trouble for the season opener. That leaves second-year Justin Tryon and rookie Kevin Barnes to show they’re up to the nickel back task instead of the Redskins playing three safeties on passing downs.

5. Practice squad competition - The Redskins can assemble an eight-man practice squad Sunday, and most of the team is expected to come from their roster. Vinny Cerrato said last week the team usually keeps four defensive players and four offensive players. A guess: OL Edwin Williams, DL J.D. Skolnitsky, WR Keith Eloi, LB Darrel Young, QB Chase Daniel, DT Antonio Dixon, CB Byron Westbrook and Dorsey.