McIntosh absent, Pakulak punting

Linebacker Rocky McIntosh isn't on the field and Glenn Pakulak is punting for Hunter Smith as the Redskins hold their final practice of the week.

McIntosh's absence is unexplained sp far but is likely for personal reasons.

Pakulak, signed Tuesday, seems likely to fill in for the injured Smith Sunday at Carolina. If that's the case, Pakulak will have to be promoted from the practice squad and the Redskins would have to cut someone.

The chief candidates are reserve running backs Marcus Mason and Anthony Alridge, backup offensive linemen D'Anthony Batiste and Edwin Williams and rookie linebacker Robert Henson.

The Redskins could also place the ailing Anthony Montgomery on injured reserve, but that would end the defensive tackle's season.

-- David Elfin