Injuries force Paulsen, Paul into bigger roles ASHBURN — They have listened to their elders, absorbing tips passed their way. So Logan Paulsen understands how to read defenses better, making cuts based off what he sees. And Niles Paul worked on his routes, learning how to run them crisper.
It’s a good thing they both listened. They’re now more than just young guys learning a trade; they’re among the key young players who must play bigger roles. As the Redskins (3-3) try to snap a two-game losing streak, they will do so with young players filling in for proven veterans in injured tight end Chris Cooley and wide receiver Santana Moss.
It’s not an ideal situation for the Redskins. It’s a good one for the young guys. It’s not just Paul, either, at receiver. Terrence Austin also should see increased time and possibly Leonard Hankerson.
– John Keim
| Notes |
| » Though speculation on Chris Cooley‘s future in Washington started the minute he was placed on injured reserve, coach Mike Shahanan said he still factors into their plans. Cooley is done for the season after breaking his left index finger and also because of issues with his left knee. Shanahan said Cooley only needed to do rehab work right now but was unsure whether surgery would be needed later. “We’re hoping to have him back and playing at a high level,” Shanahan said. The coach also blamed the lockout, in part, for Cooley’s situation. “It hurt not having the OTAs and not having a chance to rehab [with the team] in the offseason, so when he came in we didn’t really know where he was,” Shanahan said. |
| » Free safety Kareem Moore practiced for the first time Wednesday, and there’s still a chance he could be activated off the physically unable to perform list for Sunday’s game vs. Buffalo. Free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe (knee) was limited. Meanwhile, the Redskins signed tight end Dominique Byrd and guard/center Jonathan Compas to the active roster. |
“Everyone’s a backup sometime,” Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said. “All these guys get their chance to show what they can do, and some guys take advantage of it. That’s what you look for.
“You’re looking forward to seeing what they can do, and they’re looking forward to their opportunity. We brought them in for a reason. You’re hoping they go out and the game’s not too big for them.”
The Redskins now have only five players who opened the season as offensive starters — and only four at the same positions. Quarterback John Beck got his chance through a benching; the others have come via injuries. He understands the spot they’re in.
“I’ve seen fire in the younger guys,” Beck said. “I don’t think they’re saying, ‘Uh-oh, how am I gonna do?’ They’re saying, ‘This is my turn. I’m going to prove I can do it.’ That’s how you have to be.”
Paulsen is the No. 2 tight end now behind starter Fred Davis, though the Redskins often use them both. He said talking to Cooley and Davis has helped him mature; Paulsen even caught two passes for 48 yards vs. Carolina on Sunday.
“I’m not trying to be better than Chris or do something different,” Paulsen said. “I’m just trying to be myself.”
Moss’ absence could create more chances for Paul and/or Hankerson. Until Sunday, Paul had played but had never been the target of a pass. But after Moss was hurt, he caught two for 25 yards. Paul said he has worked hard on his routes since arriving here as a fifth-round pick this summer.
“Coming out of college, being a bigger physical receiver, I never had to run crisp routes,” he said. “I could manhandle corners in college. I can’t do that here. I have to be crisp in and out of my routes and not show any [sign] as to what I was running.”
Hankerson has played one snap, resulting in a miscommunication and an interception. But he said he’s ready for more.
“I’m excited to do what I’ve been doing in practice,” he said. “It’s a lot of weight off my shoulders. But I have to make the most of the opportunities I get. I just talked to Niles a little bit and said let’s keep it up. Let’s do whatever it takes to make the team better.”
