Although Gardner expressed regret about Taylor's arrest, the wide receiver took umbrage to the implication that he didn't do enough to prevent it.
"There was nobody out there in that position to see and say, 'Oh, he's been drinking, he's tipsy,' " Gardner said. "Everybody was chillin', so everybody left at a reasonable time.
Ryan Clark, above, is expected to start Sunday in place of the injured Matt Bowen. Andre Lott will likely replace Sean Taylor.
(Jonathan Newton - The Washington Post)
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"Nobody knew Sean was driving by himself or what was going on. It would have been different if we did. Everybody had limos and if anybody needed a ride, they got it. Guaranteed. We were all as surprised as anybody."
Still, a few veterans said the incident should make all Redskins players more careful.
"It's a wakeup call because you have to know that you're just not invisible when you go out," said defensive end Renaldo Wynn. "You represent yourself, your team, your family. And it affects all of us. You hope this will be a lesson for everybody."
The Redskins have the top-ranked defense in the NFL, tops against the run and No. 3 against the pass. However, Taylor's absence leaves Washington's defense with a depleted secondary as the unit faces its most daunting challenge of the season. The Packers have the NFL's second-ranked offense and are led by quarterback Brett Favre.
Strong safety Ryan Clark is expected to start his second consecutive game for Matt Bowen, who yesterday underwent season-ending surgery on his right knee. Clark, a third-year player, entered the season with only four NFL starts. Lott, a three-year veteran, made his NFL starting debut in the season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Safeties Todd Franz and Pat Dennis, who hasn't played since 2002, likely will play.
"They've got to step up," cornerback Shawn Springs said, "and everyone else has to elevate their games."
