Cannida likely to sign deal today

Stephen Davis’ big day against the Washington Redskins will have a slight effect on the club’s personnel.

The Redskins are expected to sign defensive tackle James Cannida today to shore up their interior, team sources said yesterday. But Cannida, who worked out at Redskin Park about a week ago, is viewed as more of a rotation guy — possibly winning a roster spot for occasional duty.

Cannida, 28, started seven games for Indianapolis last season but went unsigned in free agency. He is a lighter (305 pounds) interior player who was expected to generate more pass rush than he did.

A bigger move for a starting-quality tackle is not imminent. Given the marketplace, it remains unlikely Washington would pick up such a key figure.

Scrutiny of the defensive line increased following Saturday’s big performance by Davis, the former Redskins running back. Davis, now with Carolina, dominated with seven carries for 74 yards in the Panthers’ 20-0 win.

A hot topic continues to be whether the Redskins will re-sign defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson, who was cut two days into camp after refusing a pay cut. Wilkinson’s return is a long shot, and it would take some time to develop.

The market for Wilkinson could pick up. Green Bay defensive tackle Gilbert Brown strained or tore his biceps Saturday — a tear probably would force him to miss the season. The Packers are thin at defensive tackle and interested in Wilkinson. However, Green Bay would want Wilkinson to play nose tackle (not his preferred spot) and doesn’t appear interested in offering much more than the minimum.

Detroit already had Wilkinson in for a visit and could be willing to go over $1million on a one-year deal. Washington offered $2million plus incentives for Wilkinson to stay, but a new offer to bring him back is expected to be lower.

It wouldn’t be a surprise if Wilkinson waited at least one more week to sign. That would allow another round of preseason games and also increase the chances of another starting-quality defensive tackle being injured or playing below expectations.

Washington continues to monitor potential trades or cuts, but there appears to be no strong possibilities.

Betts back soon?

Running back Ladell Betts could be back on the field in coming days after an examination of his sprained elbow. The results were unclear yesterday afternoon.

“I’ve pretty much got range of motion back,” Betts said. “Now I’m trying to get strength back. As soon as that happens, I’ll be back out there.”

Betts participated in just one camp practice, but a number of club officials are excited to see him get on the field. In the offseason he showed signs of surging past Trung Canidate and Kenny Watson for the starting job.

Neither Canidate nor Watson impressed Saturday. The two combined for six carries and just 8 yards.

Hall improving

Kicker John Hall said his strained groin felt “not bad” as he looked forward to returning to practice at some point this week. However, it appeared unlikely he will kick in this afternoon’s practice.

“I don’t know about that,” Hall said.

The Redskins were prepared to cut Matt Simonton, who missed his lone attempt (35 yards) Saturday in place of Hall, and re-sign fullback Thad Buttone. Another kicker could be signed later in the week if Hall can’t go against New England on Saturday night.

Extra points

Offensive lineman Rod Jones (ankle) is walking without any support and plans to begin running at practice this week. He could be back on the field next week. …

Linebacker Jeremiah Trotter (knee) said he was held out of the Carolina game because the plan was to play him only about five plays anyway. He hopes to be on the field against New England.