Antwaan Randle El will handle the Washington Redskins’ first punt return Sunday at Atlanta, and Santana Moss and DeAngelo Hall also will get an opportunity.
Translation: It’s the same plan used two weeks ago against Philadelphia.
“Nothing has changed,” coach Jim Zorn said after practice Wednesday.
There was speculation Randle El had lost the job. After he was informed of the rumor by the media, he went to Zorn’s office for an explanation. Zorn added Hall to the rotation against the Eagles, and Moss has dabbled in returns since the middle of last year.
Randle El is averaging only 5.2 yards a game, has as many fair catches as returns (11) and lost a key fumble in the Philadelphia defeat.
“My whole thing, given the opportunity and the chance, [is] I have to be a little more productive,” he said before talking with Zorn. “But it’s not only one guy. … It’s a collective thing. It’s not gaping holes that I’m missing.”
Moss has four returns for a 3.8-yard average this year, and Hall hasn’t returned a punt since he was with Atlanta two seasons ago. Neither player wants the job full time.
“I think I still have a knack for doing it,” Moss said. “I love the position because it got me to this level, but when it comes to being out there full time, I don’t really care for that. I’ve had my share of full-time duties in New York. I did enough of that. Now my focus is bigger and different.”
Said Hall: “That’s a pretty dangerous position back there. But if they need me to go back there for a spark, I’ll do it.”
Portis on Snyder
Running back Clinton Portis attended the charity event Tuesday at Surrattsville High School in Prince George’s County at which owner Dan Snyder commented on the team’s 2-5 start. Asked for his reaction, Portis said the onus is on the players, not ownership.
“It’s us. We have to play up to par,” he said. “We can’t put that on him.”
Portis said he doesn’t seek special treatment as a benefit of his relationship with Snyder.
“It’s not that I’m trying to get out of anything or being a [butt] kisser or running to Mr. Snyder,” he said. “But I think I go out and bust my butt on the field, and he appreciates that. He’s the boss. I think it’s a great thing when you go to work and speak to your boss. It’s just a cool relationship.”
Haynesworth’s defense
Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth disagreed with Sports Illustrated’s poll labeling him one of the dirtiest players in the league.
“I’m not dirty,” he said.
In a rare group interview, Haynesworth said the Redskins’ 2-5 start is rougher than Tennessee’s 0-5 start in 2006.
“We have to do something here - the losses are starting to pile up, and if we get a few more, we can count ourselves out of the playoffs,” he said. “I look at every team differently, and they respond differently. That team didn’t have a lot of talent, and guys were younger and started to get discouraged. Here, we have a lot of talent and a lot of older guys. We just need to do something to turn it around.”
Getting healthy
The bye week did wonders for the Redskins’ injury situation - only tight end Chris Cooley (ankle), cornerback Byron Westbrook (knee) and linebacker H.B. Blades (knee) did not practice Wednesday.
Cooley is out for at least three games; Blades and Westbrook expect to return Nov. 15 against Denver. Quarterback Jason Campbell (ankle) went through the full practice and expects to have full mobility this week.
Ready for his chance
Blades’ injury provides an opportunity for rookie Robert Henson, who is working on the kickoff coverage team and is expected to make his NFL debut against the Falcons.
“It’s been an adjustment [not playing], but if anything, it’s helped because I’m seeing the game from a different perspective,” Henson said. “You take football for granted until you’re sitting on the sideline. It’s given me a new respect for the game.”
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