ASHBURN, Va. -- Relying on the well-tested theory that
playoff adrenaline suppresses pain, Washington Redskins running
back Stephen Davis and center Cory Raymer say they will be in
Saturday's playoff game at Tampa Bay.
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| Raymer |
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| Davis |
"It feels pretty good," Davis, the NFC's leading rusher, said
Thursday of his sprained left ankle. "But I don't think it feels
better than it did last week. But come Saturday, I pretty much know
what I've got to do."
Last week at this time, Davis was struggling with the ankle and
could barely practice. He recovered well enough to rush for 119
yards in last Saturday's victory over Detroit, but then sprained
his right knee in the second quarter.
Davis was on the practice field Thursday for the first time this
week, but only took part in a dozen or so plays. He wasn't at full
speed, and he said his ankle is bothering him more than the knee.
Davis is listed as questionable, but he's come a long way this
week. He was thought to be a long shot to play when trainers first
discussed his injuries Sunday.
"I'm very encouraged," Davis said. "I'm glad that I went out
and did something today. I did what I wanted to do today, and
that's move around a little bit."
Coach Norv Turner he will be happy just to get 10 or 15 carries
from Davis against the Buccaneers. Skip Hicks is the backup, but
Turner said he would use more formations with three wide receivers
and Brian Mitchell in the backfield if Davis gets hurt again.
Raymer took part in a full practice for the first time this week
and is listed as probable, but he is far from full-strength. Raymer
has a pulled muscle in his rib cage, a difficult injury given the
upper body movements a center must make. He indicated that running
was painful and that he will essentially grin and bear it when the
contact starts Saturday.
"I felt tons better today," Raymer said. "Right now I'm still
having a little trouble. As long as I don't have to run and hit
somebody, I think I'll be all right."
Raymer's backup is Mark Fischer, a second-year player who did
not participate in a single play during the regular season. The
Redskins are already having to give Kipp Vickers his first start of
the season at left tackle because of a hamstring injury to Andy
Heck.