The Redskins Portal - ESPN 980

The Washington Redskins may not have much money to spend, but they sure are keeping us on the edge of our seats through three days of free agency. In case you have been sleeping under a rock, here's what has transpired.

The Redskins re-signed Inside Linebacker and special teams ace, Bryan Kehl to a one-year deal on Thursday afternoon. Kehl confirmed the deal to ESPN 980 just after he signed his contract to return.

Kehl spent part of the year with the Redskins last season. He was waived at the end of a very productive, standout training camp and preseason - only to be signed by the Kansas City Chiefs - who then waived him in November. Kehl was quickly claimed back by the Redskins. He was active for his first game back, on Monday Night Football against the New York Giants.

Kehl essentially replaces Lorenzo Alexander, who besides being an outstanding special teams captain, played various positions at linebacker, including some at inside linebacker and in a 3rd down pass rush specialist role - especially when Rob Jackson was elevated to the starting ROLB position.

Make no mistake -- Kehl is not Alexander on special teams, but he may be more proficient when on defense - simply because he has played the position more.

**Speaking of Alexander - the Redskins officially lost a large part of their heart and soul on Wednesday, when Alexander decided to join the Arizona Cardinals. Alexander told various members of the Redskins media that the team dramatically slashed the guaranteed bonus money they had offered on Monday and by Tuesday - Alexander faced the reality that he would have to walk away.

John Keim of the Washington Examiner wrote this on Wednesday night.  http://washingtonexaminer.com/lorenzo-alexander-arizona-offered-more-guaranteed-cash/article/2524286

In a nutshell, a team spokesman denied what Alexander claimed, which is convenient for them to do. I find it hilarious that they chose to do this, when simply getting a confirmation of a widely reported move, is always met with  a non-response.

The point is - basically by saying that part of Alexander's words were not true, the team was clearly saying that Alexander chose to leave for his own reasons, as opposed to a clear reduction in offer, as Alexander asserts.

Either way - it's sad to see it come down to that and I just have a hard time believing that Alexander is flat out lying to make the team look bad. Everybody knew it would be hard to bring him back, with an undefined market and a team that has been treated in completely unfair ways by the National Football League.

I wish the reported ugliness wasn't the apparent reality of the situation, but it appears that the separation comes in ugly fashion.

I will say this - Lorenzo Alexander is a better human being than a football player. He could joke around, and at times - you could tell he was tired and worn down. No doubt, your mind and body takes a beating in this sport.

He was the first Redskins player to truly welcome me to Redskins Park and allow me to do my job better. We quickly became pals, and he asked me to emcee his first annual "Ride to Provide" www.ridetoprovide.org  bike event with Kedric Golston.  I've done the event every year, and plan on doing it as long as Lorenzo still hosts the event.

I got to know Lorenzo a lot better than any other player over the last four years, as our families even had dinner one night in Williamsburg - when we were both on vacation in the same area. Lorenzo was the first person in the Redskins community that I sought the advice of when deciding to leave 106.7 to join ESPN 980.

Lorenzo would always ask how my family was, and I would do the same. At the very first "Ride to Provide" - he graciously allowed my kids to be up on stage with me during the festivities and to participate on the microphone. I have enjoyed the times I have been able to talk with his wife, a wonderful lady named Manjanique, and have seen his children grow up over the last 48 months.

Another example of the kind of guy Alexander is and will always be - he heard I was working all day long last Thanksgiving and invited me over to his home, for a dinner in between shifts. I chose not to attend to not overstep my boundaries, but that's not the point. There are the kind of things that I've never really talked about.

I can tell this process and dealing with the media pressure and the enormity of the decision has really taken a true toll. As a result, I have tried to give him some space and hope to be able to talk to him more when things calm down.  In addition to all of this, for some reason the NFLPA decided to schedule some very important player rep meetings out of the country, so Alexander has been busy attending those and making the decision of a lifetime.

Lorenzo will be missed in the building, in the locker room and in the community perhaps even more. Even though, he will still spend time here and plans to make Virginia his post football home, make no mistake - it is a lot easier to have a  greater impact when you are a member of the Redskins.

***One signing I somehow forgot to mention, was the inking of veteran right tackle Jeremy Trueblood, which pretty much closes the door on Tyler Polumbus returning. Polumbus is visiting the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday, but while the Redskins had shown some interest in bringing him back - it was lukewarm at best.

They signed Tony Pashos on Monday, after a nasty looking foot injury last year. On Thursday, they made it 2 right tackles in four days. It will be one hell of a competition (maybe not) during camp a la Richmond, as the Redskins appear to be setting up a "Fatal 4-way" type match between Trueblood, Pashos, Maurice Hurt and Tom Compton.

***The Redskins are said to be pursuing stud cornerback Aqib Talib, formerly of the Tampa Bay Bucs and most recently of the New England Patriots.  They may want to check out his Wikipedia page http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aqib_Talib and reverse course.

In case they don't want to do that -- here is a quick summary of Mr. Talib's not so friendly highlight package. He was suspended by the NFL for four games for adderall use in 2012, including when the Redskins played against the Bucs. He was then let go by Tampa, a team desperate for help in the secondary. He was indicted on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, before those charges were dropped.

Talib was also involved in a fight with a fellow rookie teammate in 2008, and just for good measure -- allegedly battered a taxi driver leading to a charge of resisting arrest and simple battery.

There is NO doubt that Talib is a supreme talent, as @UKRedskin1 (Mark Bullock) shows here, http://www.hogshaven.com/2013/3/14/4105916/film-breakdown-of-redskins-latest-signing-aqib-talib but when does the risk out-weigh the reward. On a team with NO margin for error, it's just not a chance I could ever take.  Sorry. Not when I've been burned by Tanard Jackson, who also had a relationship with Raheem Morris, while coming to DC with a troubled past.

The difference between Jackson and Talib - is that Talib is going to cost a lot more money and has a documented history of violence and alleged violence, in addition to clearly not understanding what he can put in his body and what he can't. Jackson, had a history of issues with illegal substances. I do believe that a difference does exist. Don't you?

**Another possibility for the Redskins is Antoine Winfield. The veteran cornerback is very likely out of their price range, but a source did concede to ESPN 980 on Thursday, that a chance does indeed remain for the two sides to make a deal.

Winfield is 35,  which would prevent any team from making a large contractual commitment - despite his high level of production. He's a three  time Pro Bowler, and graded out as a + 25.5  in 1,057 snaps by ProFootballFocus.com.

If somehow the Redskins could convince Winfield that they will take better care of him financially next year, as opposed to this year - Winfield could decide to take a shot in the NFC East on a team that has a chance to go far in the playoffs.

Again, it would be very hard to fathom this concept, but if Winfield wants a chance to win - Washington might be a chance he takes.

***Could Fred Davis be heading home. The Ohio native is reportedly drawing heavy interest  from both the Browns and the Redskins. As we know, the Redskins have very little money and the Browns have much more. My money is on the Browns as I have a difficult time believing that Drew Rosenhaus would let his client go from 5 plus million dollars a year (franchise tag) down to a much smaller pay level, even with the various issues (injury, suspension history) that Davis possesses.

If you missed our complete recap of Day one in free agency - just check out this http://redskins.espn980.com/bloggers/chris-russell/item/836-nfl-redskins-free-agency-blog to read about Kedric Golston, Sav Rocca, Adam Carriker, Santana Moss and more.

If you need a great laugh to break up the free agent monotony or how boring the college hoops are, check this out from good guy Rob Jackson http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/243a3de611/rob-jackson-s-st-paddy-s-day. Yes, ladies and gentlemen - your starting right outside linebacker perhaps just gave the Redskins some luck of the Irish in 2013.

Chris Russell // SFTheRooster@Yahoo.com // www.twitter.com/russellmania980

LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. – The Washington Redskins announced today that they have signed free agent tight end Chris Cooley. The team also placed tight end Fred Davis on its Reserve/Injured list.

Cooley (6-3, 243), the franchise’s all-time leader in receptions by a tight end, was released by the Redskins on Aug. 28, 2012. He spent his first eight seasons with the Redskins and posted 428 receptions for 4,703 yards and 33 receiving touchdowns.

Last season, Cooley became the franchise’s all-time leader in receptions by a tight end, surpassing Redskins legend Jerry Smith (421). Cooley’s 428 receptions rank 20th all-time by a tight end in league history.

Cooley holds four of the top five single-season reception totals by a tight end in team history, including recording at least 70 catches in 2005, 2008 and 2010.

Davis (6-4, 247) leads the team in receptions (24) and receiving yards (325) through seven games. In 2011, he established single-season highs in receptions (59) and receiving yards (796). The 796 yards were the fourth-most in a season by a tight end in Redskins history. During his five-year NFL career, Davis has recorded 155 receptions for 1,973 yards and 12

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) Washington Redskins tight end Fred Davis tore his left Achilles tendon Sunday and will miss the rest of the season.

Davis was injured in the first half of the Redskins' 27-23 loss to the Giants. He needed help to the sideline and then onto a trainer's table before he was carted to the locker room.

"I didn't know what it was right away," Davis said. "I have never experienced anything like that. I was unable to walk and then I knew something really was wrong.

"I was running my route and stuck my leg in and either got stepped on or it happened naturally."

Davis was the team's leading receiver with 23 catches for 312 yards entering Sunday's game.

"I had a lot of things I wanted to do this year and I was doing it," he said. "It's very discouraging."

Logan Paulsen stepped in for Davis and had four catches for 76 yards, including a key one on a fourth-down play in the fourth quarter.

"That's why I am on the team, for this moment," the third-year tight end said. "My job is to know everything he knows."

Redskins linebacker London Fletcher, who has played in 231 successive games, left in the fourth quarter with a right hamstring injury. Coach Mike Shanahan called it a mild strain.

In the second quarter, strong safety Reed Doughty left with a left knee strain, but returned in the second half.

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Four games, four nailbiters, this one shouldn't have been.  The good, bad, and more.

Good:

RG3. I know it's only four games but it's official....he's the real deal.  His two runs in the redzone in the first half are a perfect example of why the Redskins are so different offensively this year.  They can score touchdowns.  I know he fumbled on the first QB draw but did you see his acceleration and toughness!  It's his arm, legs, smarts, toughness, it's everything.  He's already the best player they've had here since....??  Now, was that penalty on Mark Barron in the first half for unnecessary roughness a BS call...for sure.  It was almost like he was getting NBA superstar treatment on that play.  His command and confidence are growing.  The hardcount cadence drew at least one offsides penalty, may have been two.  The final drive was poised and flawless...seemed that it was never in doubt.  Finally, after a long wait, the Redskins have a quarterback and leader.

The offense. 474 total yards.  Not nearly the total points they could've or should've had but that was a result of missed field goals and penalties.  They are so hard to defend right now.  RG3 threatens a defense in so many ways that preparation for the Redskins must be a bitch.  Alfred Morris is a perfect fit and then some.  He's a perfect zone-stretch runner.  He's a perfect spread/zone-read runner.  He's a perfect triple option fullback.  Not bad for a 6th rounder.   Thank goodness Skins' brass didn't succomb to the "do the right thing and let Donovan go" crowd.  That 6th rounder back from Minnesota for McNabb is Alfred Morris.  Additionally, the Skins finally have receivers who draw P.I. penalties and run after the catch.  It's nice to see additional yards after a catch instead of the "catch and immediately fall down" move of recent vintage.  BTW, it helped today that Trent Williams was back.  He's easily a top 3-4 must-have player on this team and he led the offensive line to a very good day against a pretty good front 4.

The fullback and tight ends. Darrell Young has been and is currently a very underrated player on this team.  He's a very good blocker.  He can catch passes and make yards after the catch.  He can run it too even though we haven't seen much of that this year.  The tight ends (Davis and Paulson) have been very good the last two weeks.  Paulson is a big-time blocker and Davis is catching everything and making big plays after the catch.

Ryan Kerrigan. Multiple pass deflections and a sack.  Plus, a huge third-down stop on a screen late in the game with the Skins holding a 21-19 lead.  He's very good, getting better, and has become a fixture on this list.

Bad:

Billy Cundiff. He missed three kicks before barely making the game-winner.  He looked like he was either going to cry or vomit on that final drive and actually looked terrified right before the final kick yet somehow he managed to get it through that left upright.  I'd cut him and re-sign Rackers or Gano tomorrow.  He can lead the league in touchbacks till the cows come home but his field goal kicking is going to cost them a game or two.  The missed 57-yarder at the end of the first half really makes wonder what Shanahan was thinking in St. Louis.  I know it's indoors versus outdoors but he was 3-5 yards short on that one today.  His missed 31-yarder was brutal, the 41-yarder wasn't close, and I still can't for the life of me figure out why they signed him and cut Rackers and Gano.

Penalties. Too many big ones that resulted in drive killers.  The clip on Montgomery killed the first drive of the 2nd half.  The 15-yarder on Garcon killed the 2nd drive of the 2nd half.  They got bailed out by some big calls against Tampa so things were evened out a bit but still, an offense that was humming stopped itself a few times in the 2nd half and missed opportunities to make this a no-sweat win.

3rd down conversions. They made 2 of 11and one of the two was the razzle-dazzle Banks-to RG3-to Niles Paul play.  What's interesting is that it didn't really hurt them.  They rolled up 27 more first downs for the game and are now near the conference lead with 98 first downs in 4 games.

More:

1.  Good clock mgt/questionable clock mgt.  They did a nice job at the end of the first half being aggressive and using their last timeout to get the ball back.  It gave them a chance on a long field goal attempt.  With that said, they looked confused on the final play before the game-winning Cundiff kick.  After the spike stopped the clock with 18 seconds left, Shanahan carried on a conversation with RG3 on the sideline as if he was in timeout mode.  It cost them a frantic false start penalty and five yards.  That five yards could've been the difference between win and loss.  The next play was a 7-yard completion to Moss after which there seemed to be some confusion on the Skins sideline as to what to do next.  They should've let the clock tick down to 3 seconds and made the field goal the final play of the game.  Instead, they kicked it with 7 seconds leaving time for a potential miracle kickoff return.

2.  The five yard penalty against Tampa on their 2-pt conversion was huge.  It was the difference between a Skins' win and overtime.

3.  It seems obvious to say that the pass coverage was bad in the 2nd half because of the numbers but I didn't think it was as bad as the last two weeks.  Unlike the last two weeks, Skins' defenders were closer to making plays with the exception of that first long one to Williams that got Freeman going.  I thought Freeman and Jackson in particular made some really good throws and catches.

4.  Sav Rocca and the punt coverage team had a pretty good day.

5.  The Redskins got bailed out of that horrible field position on their 2nd drive of the 2nd half by two huge plays.  The first was the play that nearly ended in safety and the second was the next play which resulted in a late-hit on RG3 in the back of the end zone.

6.  The 3rd and 9 stop before the go-ahead Bucs field goal by Wilson on Underwood was huge.  Without it, the Bucs go-ahead field goal would've been a game-winning field goal.

7.  RG3 needed to stick that ball out in front of the first-down marker on that key 3rd down with 3:45 left.  Shanahan's challenge on that play was questionable.

8.  Merriweather and Robinson getting hurt before the game....are you kidding me!

9.  The Skins have won the turnover battle in all four games.  They have just 2 turnovers on the season, tied for the best in the NFL.

Upon further review of Sunday's win over the Saints...

1.  Alfred Morris was good but could've been slightly better.  He ran hard and was physical at the point of attack.  His 2nd touchdown in particular was impressive. He had great vision on most of his runs.  With that said, he missed a few cutbacks that would've resulted in more yards.  Not many, but a few.  His 3.4 yards per carry isn't quite what Shanahan wants out of his running game.  He's looking for something closer to 4.5 to 5.  I'm surprised that Shanahan made it a point during his Monday press conference to say Morris was the starter moving forward.  I'm suspicious and think he might give Royster and/or Helu more carries in St. Louis.

2.  Kory Lichtensteiger's holding penalties were questionable. He had two of them and neither was obvious.  Additionally, his mobility and dare I say it speed, are why the Shanahans love him.  He was very good.

3.  RG3's decision-making was interesting in a few cases. I wonder what the Shanahans think of some of the decisions he made.  His across-the-field pass to Fred Davis on the first play of the 2nd quarter wasn't as easy as the wide-open bootleg dump-off in the flat to Darrell Young.  A pass to Santana Moss later in the 2nd quarter for a first down looked like a play where running the ball or throwing a pass to Helu would've been easier and resulted in a first-down as well.

4.  Their intention at the end of the first half WAS to score. Some have questioned why they weren't more aggressive on the drive that ended with the blocked punt.  I think their intention was aggressive but with 1:46 left and the ball at their own 22, their first-down draw was bungled between RG3 and Royster resulting in a 2-yard loss.  The Skins' 2-minute offense the past two years has almost always started with a draw or screen.  I think the draw was the first play in their 2-minute drill but after the 2-yard loss, they turned conservative and decided to run clock, force the Saints to burn timeouts, and give it back to them if they couldn't make a first down running the ball.  I AM surprised that after an 8-yd run from Royster to set up 3rd and 4 that they didn't throw the ball for the first down.  At that point, there were still :52 seconds left and the Saints had two timeouts.  Running the 3rd and 4 draw seemed a bit too conservative in that spot.

5.  Jimmy Graham is the best tight end in football. He might be one of the best 5 to10 players in the game.  At 6-7, 265, with incredible athleticsm, strength, and more importantly soft hands, Graham is the best at his position.  He must be doubled and even then it's nearly impossible to stop him if Brees puts the ball up high.  An amazing athlete and football player.

The names are certainly changing around Redskins Park these days.

Redskins Fan favorite and all-time franchise leader for receptions by a tight end (428) Chris Cooley was released yesterday. Fan favorite and 2nd in in all-time rushing yards (6,824) Clinton Portis finally officially retired last week.

In fact, in the four primary point producing positions: quarterback, wide receiver, tight end, and running back, the Redskins have a new quartet of faces - threel new to the franchise this year.

The new guard

Robert Griffin III - We all know about him of course, the rookie quarterback who doesn't talk or play like one and poised to be the franchise quarterback everybody wants him to be.

Pierre Garcon - The biggest pickup of the offseason in free agency, a proven commidity who honed his skills with one of the greats Peyton Manning. Garcon has been a frequent target of Griffin so far in preseason and looks primed and eager to relish the role of #1 receiver this season for the Redskins.

Fred Davis - Recently voted the offensive player of the 2011 year (despite his suspension) at the Redskins annual Welcome Home Luncheon, Davis is considered by many to be a Top 10 tight end talent. This season Davis will strive to cement himself as a true undisputed top tight end in the NFL.

Alfred Morris - That's right, 6th round draftee and rookie running back Alfred Morris is the fourth face on Mount Rushmore for Redskins' optimists. With Helu, Hightower, and Royster all dealing with injuries and rehab, Morris has taken advantage of the opportunity. Morris turns 2 yard stops into four yard gains. He falls forward. He bounces and spins. He used to be a linebacker and its apparent. It's too early to call right now, but Alfred Morris may be that late round nugget that the Redskins were looking for - and don't be surprised to see him as the starter for the beginning of the season as the other guys figure it out.

ASHBURN, Va. – The Washington Redskins announced today that they have signed unrestricted free agent cornerback Cedric Griffin and tight end Fred Davis signed his franchise tender. Terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Griffin (6-0, 203) spent his previous six NFL seasons with the Minnesota Vikings after being selected in the second round (48th overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Texas. He has played in 80 regular season games, with 70 starts, and recorded 383 tackles, eight interceptions, 14 forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and 58 passes defensed.

Last season, Griffin played in 16 games, with 14 starts, and registered 81 tackles, one interception, three forced fumbles and 11 passes defensed. That followed a 2010 campaign in which he was recognized by his teammates as the Vikings’ Ed Block Courage Award recipient, coming back from a torn ACL suffered during the 2009 NFC Championship Game.

In 2009, Griffin led the Vikings with a career-high four interceptions while starting all 16 regular season games and two postseason games. He had a career-high 100 tackles in 2008, playing in all 16 regular season games with 15 starts. He also started in his first playoff appearance and had the team’s only postseason interception.

Griffin was one of two defensive backs to start all 16 games for the Vikings in 2007 and scored his first career touchdown, taking a lateral of a fumble recovery 50 yards against the Dallas Cowboys. As a rookie, he appeared in 14 games, with seven starts, and earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for his performance against the Detroit Lions in Week 14 when he had an interception, forced fumble and fumble recovery.

Griffin played collegiately at Texas where he was a first-team All-Big 12 selection as a senior and a member of the 2005 Longhorns National Championship team. Griffin attended Oliver Wendell Holmes H.S. in San Antonio.

Davis, 26, returns after a career season in which he established single-season highs in receptions (59) and receiving yards (796). The 796 yards were the fourth-most in a season by a tight end in Redskins history. During his four-year NFL career, Davis has recorded 131 receptions for 1,648 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Phillip Daniels was let go by the Washington Redskins after the lockout ended, and as free agency and a compressed training camp was about to begin last summer.

Daniels, while hoping to get a chance to play again in the NFL -- got a chance to spend some more time with his family, and to support  his son, DaVaris, who last year was a red-shirt wide receiver at Notre Dame, while also thinking about the short and long term future.

Part of that thought process -- What would he do or like to do if no team really wanted him to play OR even if a team did, Daniels knew that opportunity would not last forever.

With that, Daniels knew he wasn't walking away from the game of football and figured he should start pursuing his second career, even if it cost him an opportunity to be at every Notre Dame game this season.

On ESPN 980 & the "Sports Reporters" last night - Daniels talked about his new position as Director of Player Development for the Washington Redskins and said he was pushed to take the job by DaVaris, who is expected to be a strong replacement for Michael Floyd.

"I spoke with him about it. He knows that coaching, this is something I wanted to do for a long time. He actually  told me 'go-ahead,' get your feet wet, get in the door. The good thing about Notre Dame, they're on TV every week.... He's fine. I've raised him the right way to be strong and go out and do his job. He'll be fine without me."

In his new position, Daniels will be responsible for dealing with the players in an expanded role of the normal duties associated with the job. Daniels said, "I'll be working with the players, just to make sure they got everything  they need. Also assisting the coaches in everything they might need. The main thing, is just helping this team get to where we need to be. Hopefully, go out and win a Super Bowl."

Daniels, sources told ESPN 980, will be directly responsible for helping Trent Williams and Fred Davis and other players that might be having problems with the challenges of being an athlete, and balancing the temptations that exist when you have a ton of free time and a lot of money.

"No I haven't talked to them. Both of those guys (Davis and Williams), I know they made a mistake. I know both of those guys are good guys. I think both of those guys are great players. We need them on this team."

Daniels will be on the field at practices during training camp and at other times, in a structure set up by Bruce Allen and Mike Shanahan, so that he can get the start on his coaching career, without having to put in the hours that a typical coach does.

Daniels feels his experience will help him in this  all encompassing position, "On-and-off the field.  Playing 15 years, you see a lot, you learn a lot."

Bobby Crumpler, who previously served in this role, without the expanded duties that Daniels will be taking on, is expected to be assigned elsewhere in the organization, according to a team source.

For the entire inverview with Daniels, please click here http://bit.ly/yanNAu.

Chris Russell // RussellC@Redskins.com or SFTheRooster@Yahoo.com // www.twitter.com/russellmania980 // www.facebook.com  (Chris Russell or ESPN 980)

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) The Washington Redskins have signed tight end Richard Quinn and placed nose tackle Chris Baker on injured reserve.

Tuesday's moves give the Redskins more depth at a position made thin by Fred Davis' suspension as well as injuries to Chris Cooley and Mike Sellers.

Quinn was a second-round draft pick from North Carolina by the Denver Broncos in 2009. He played in 29 games, with four starts, in two seasons with Denver before being released this preseason.

Baker spent most of this season on the Redskins' practice roster. He was signed to the active roster last week - then pulled a quadriceps muscle on the same day.

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) No sugarcoating from Mike Shanahan, not when he's been let down like this.

The Washington Redskins coach said Wednesday he's disappointed "big time" in suspended playersFred Davis and Trent Williams and that both will have to prove themselves in order to be a part of the team's future.

Tight end Davis and left tackle Williams - the team's leader in receptions and the offense's marquee lineman - began the day by apologizing at a team meeting. Both were suspended Tuesday without pay for four games - the rest of the regular season - by the NFL for repeated violations of the league's substance abuse policy.

"You're talking about accountability," Shanahan said, "people being there through thick and thin. And when you don't do that, there's not really anything you can say except `I screwed up.' And they were men enough today to stand in front of the team and say, `Hey, I did screw up, and we promise it won't happen again.'

"Now we will find out in the future if they're true to their word."

It's one thing to be caught once, but Davis and Williams are multiple offenders who had previously been fined by the NFL, ordered to undergo counseling and received a good talking-to from a coach who puts a premium on discipline. Not only will the struggling offense for a 4-8 team have to find way to make do without the pair for the balance of the season, but the Redskins will also have to plan around the fact that each will likely be suspended for a year if there's another positive test.

"Am I disappointed in them? Big time, yeah," Shanahan said. "Because they affect not only themselves but this organization and their teammates. That's a bad decision, and they know they put us in a heck of a position."

Williams was Shanahan's first draft pick with the Redskins, the No. 4 overall selection a year ago, and it's likely he will get another chance at redemption if only because he's has four years remaining on a six-year, $60 million contract. Davis' status is murky because he's due to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. He's played well - 59 catches for 796 yards - but his value on the open market has just plummeted.

"Any contract that anybody would sign somebody to, knowing that with one failed test they could be gone just like that," said Shanahan, snapping his fingers, "they're going to protect themselves in the contract, and it'll be based on performance and based on going down the straight and narrow."

Shanahan said he is seeking clarification as to whether Davis and Williams will be allowed to be at the Redskins Park facility throughout their suspensions under the terms of the league's new collective bargaining agreement with the players' union. Neither player has spoken publicity since the punishments have been announced, and neither was in the locker room Wednesday during the period when it was open to reporters.

"They feel bad enough," quarterback Rex Grossman said. "It's a tough situation, and they know they made a mistake. They know they have to pay some pretty harsh consequences."

One consequence for the Redskins is that they will have their sixth different starting offensive line in nine weeks when they host the New England Patriots on Sunday.

Shanahan said Sean Locklear, a veteran who is more of a natural right tackle, and undrafted rookie Willie Smith, who has yet to play in an NFL game, are rotating snaps at left tackle in practice to determine who will start.

As for tight end, Chris Cooley is already done for the season with a knee injury, so Logan Paulsen has completed a move from third-string to starter. Dominique Byrd, who was signed by the Redskins on Oct. 26 and released on Nov. 8, was re-signed Wednesday to fill out the depth chart.

"It's going to be a different combination of guys playing the line this week," right tackle Jammal Brown said. "You wouldn't want this to happen throughout the year, all the change-ups, but that is how this season kind of fell."

Notes: In addition to Byrd's re-signing, NT Chris Baker was signed from the practice squad. T Cole Pemberton was signed to the practice squad. ... With construction of the practice bubble well behind schedule, the team had to practice at a remote indoor facility Wednesday because of heavy rains.

Updated December 7, 2011

© 2011 by STATS LLC and Associated Press.

Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.