Skins' Taylor practices, hopes to play Sunday vs. Rams

WASHINGTON

Defensive end Jason Taylor practiced for the first time since undergoing surgery on his left calf and said he hopes to play Sunday against the St. Louis Rams. Taylor still has stitches in his calf from the emergency procedure, done Sept. 22 to relieve compartment syndrome, and is concerned about re-opening that cut, but took a limited role in practice.

Taylor said he "did a little bit of everything" during practice, working on running and passing plays, and he was enthused to be practicing with his teammates. He must see how the injury responds, but he thinks he can play.

"I think it is (realistic) for me right now," Taylor said after practice. "But we've got to wait to see what happens in the next 24 hours."

Taylor said the decision will not be his alone, with coaches and doctors also involved. Coach Jim Zorn has said that if Taylor can practice today without a setback, then he would dress against the Rams. Taylor, 34, said he has felt a little bit like "an outsider" in recent weeks, unable to participate in drills, and is eager to help the team win and build on his sack totals.

Zorn said the team could "wait until the last minute" Sunday to make decisions on several injured players. Cornerback Shawn Springs (calf) showed quickness in practice, Zorn said, and Springs says he will play. Right tackle Stephon Heyer (shoulder) also took a limited role in practice, but Zorn is unsure of his playing status.

Safety Reed Doughty (back) sat out all of practice again and is doubtful to play, Zorn said. Linebacker Marcus Washington (hamstring) missed practice again and would have to practice well today to play. Defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin (shoulder) was out again, and he might not be able to play Sunday.

With Doughty probably out, Zorn said Springs could play safety in certain packages Sunday, especially in the three-safety set ("Cobra") alongside starters Chris Horton and LaRon Landry.

Campbell's play at QB has sparked win streak

Quarterback Jason Campbell, the guy who handles the ball the most, is at the heart of the Redskins' dramatic turnaround. By any standard, his play has been stellar - he is the only starting quarterback in the league without an interception - and compared with a year ago, his performance has been downright stunning.

Campbell was jokingly asked Wednesday if it is conceivable that he might never turn over the ball again. He chuckled, and, though he is someone who says he is not superstitious, admitted to not wanting to think too much about the streak.

"I try not to focus on it," Campbell said. "I try to just go out and play and enjoy the game and just try to put my team in good situations. It's not just me, but the guys around me do a good job of protecting the football each week. You have to be conscious of it, but at the same time, we're just playing the game to win."

Campbell still says some of coach Zorn's quirky drills helped get the fumble-itis out of his system. He certainly seems to be sensing the pressure better, knowing when to get rid of the ball and when to hold onto it with both hands and take a sack.

On the move

The Redskins waived (pending an injury settlement) linebacker Johnny Baldwin, who was on the practice squad and hurt his knee in practice Wednesday. Washington re-signed linebacker Curtis Gatewood to the practice squad. Gatewood was with the team in training camp.