ASHBURN, Va. - Fred Smoot says he's in. Darrell Green isn't quite as confident.
When the Washington Redskins visit the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day in a series that dates to 1960, the Redskins may have to try to end a nine-game losing streak against Dallas with a hobbled secondary.
The biggest question mark is Green, who injured his left hip flexor when he leaped to knock down a potential game-winning touchdown pass from St. Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner to wide receiver Torry Holt in Sunday's 20-17 Washington win.
Green, who was in such pain that he slept in a chair after Sunday's game, did not practice yesterday and said he did not know if he would be ready to play Thursday.
"I'd like to be out there pretty bad," said the 42-year-old cornerback, who plans to retire after this season. "It would be neat, but I've got to take care of myself and see how it unfolds."
Green's absence wouldn't hurt quite as much if Smoot's lower back pain subsides. Smoot, who leads the team in pass deflections with 21, landed awkwardly on his back and suffered a mild concussion when he broke up a Warner pass to Isaac Bruce.
Like Green, Smoot did not practice yesterday, but the second-year cornerback vowed to be ready for Dallas (4-7), saying, "Ninety percent of it is wanting to do it. I want to play."
If Smoot can't play, the Redskins (5-6) would likely promote Rashad Bauman, a rookie third-round draft pick who was the fifth defensive back in nickel packages against St. Louis.
The Oregon product recorded two tackles and nearly got his first career interception, but a Warner pass buzzed through his hands and was caught by Holt for an 18-yard gain early in the second quarter.
Still breaking in
Coach Steve Spurrier's transition to the NFL continues.
Barely a year removed from his coaching days at the University of Florida, Spurrier is slowly adjusting to the idiosyncrasies of the NFL - particularly, instant replay and short weeks.
Spurrier took an opportunity during his weekly news conference yesterday to wonder aloud about instant replay. He seemed baffled that replay officials did not call for a review when it appeared that Green forced Holt to fumble with less than two minutes left in regulation.
Linebacker Jeremiah Trotter jumped on the loose ball, but officials on the field ruled that Holt never had control and that it was an incomplete pass.
Spurrier was equally mystified when replay officials took a look at LaVar Arrington's sack and strip of Warner as the Rams threatened to either tie or win the game with 17 seconds left.
"I thought their guy caught the pass, took a step or two, fumbled and it was our ball," Spurrier said. "They didn't even look at that one for some reason.
"I asked the ref, 'How come you're not looking at that one?' He said, 'Well, up top they said there wasn't anything to worry about.' And then I couldn't understand why they were reviewing his fumble. What else could it have been?"
Spurrier is also getting acclimated to the four-day week as the Redskins prepare for Dallas.
"I asked some of the coaches, 'Have you guys ever practiced on the day after a game?' because I never have," he said. "This is the first time."
Sulfsted a winner
Washington is 2-0 when offensive lineman Alex Sulfsted starts.
The second-year player started at left tackle for Chris Samuels in the team's 26-23 win over Indianapolis. And Sulfsted opened Sunday's three-point win over St. Louis at left guard.
"I'm pretty critical of myself," said Sulfsted, who did not give up a sack Sunday. "When I watched the film, I saw a lot of things I can improve."
Asked if Spurrier knew that the Redskins owned a perfect record when Sulfsted starts, the lineman replied, "He's told me a couple times."