Brunell Practices And Is 'Progressing'

Washington Redskins quarterback Mark Brunell returned for yesterday's practice, another strong indication the veteran will be behind center for Sunday's crucial game in Philadelphia. Brunell, who is listed as probable with a right knee strain, was limited to a walk-through Wednesday but was back in his practice uniform yesterday despite the soggy conditions and functioned well in several team drills, coaches and players said.

Brunell is having one of his finest seasons -- his 22-9 touchdown-to-interception differential is the best of his career, and he has never thrown this many touchdown passes in his 13 NFL seasons, including his three Pro Bowl years. He left Saturday's victory over the New York Giants with a sprained medial collateral ligament, but has recovered well and is likely to play in Philadelphia.

"He did some things today, and he's progressing each and every day," said Gregg Williams, assistant head coach-defense.

Several other players remained off the practice field, including cornerbacks Carlos Rogers (torn muscle in biceps) and Shawn Springs (groin), and defensive end Renaldo Wynn (foot), while offensive lineman Chris Samuels (ankle) and safety Matt Bowen (knee) returned to practice. All except Rogers are listed as probable; Rogers is questionable and not expected to play against the Eagles.

Offensive Line Is Better

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The offensive line has been much improved in recent weeks -- particularly in pass protection -- and the players credit the emphasis on running the football for that change. Washington has run the ball upwards of 60 percent of its plays the last five weeks and has attempted fewer than 30 passes per game in that span.

Having to drop back to guard the pass less frequently, and winning the battle of the line of scrimmage by driving forward in run blocking has greatly aided their cause, the linemen said. In addition, they said adopting a more physical mentality with run plays has aided them in pass protection.

"It all comes from pounding the football, man," Samuels said. "That's it, running the football. It helps us out so much. We don't have to worry about throwing the ball 50 times and getting beat two or three times in pass protection, because, if you throw that much, somebody is going to get by you here and there. But when you're running the football, you take something out of their guys, and maybe in the fourth quarter you wear them down."

Samuels credits the dedication to the run with sapping the energy from the Giants' defensive line in Saturday's 35-20 win. Washington was able to withstand the powerful pass rushing ability of Pro Bowl ends Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora, who tormented the Redskins' quarterbacks in the teams' first meeting.

Portis the Masked Hero

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Tailback Clinton Portis was joined by a host of teammates in costume yesterday for his weekly briefing. Portis dressed as an angel with a cat mask and pink scarf and said he was once again the character of "Southeast Jerome," as he was before the team's first game against the Giants on Oct. 30. Portis was flanked by Rock Cartwright, Robert Royal, Ryan Clark, Chris Cooley and Ladell Betts; all donned wigs, glasses, capes and other props to play various characters, ranging from "Luscious" (Cartwright) to "Johnny White Guy" (Cooley). It was the latest indication that the Redskins have embraced Portis's antics and flamboyant personality.

"It's a great way to release some tension," offensive coordinator Don Breaux said. "Everybody eats that up around here." . . .

Williams said he expects to rotate several players to replace injured linebacker Chris Clemons, who plays as a rush end on third downs. . . . The Redskins are 4-0 since wearing white jerseys with white pants, and plan to continue that game-day uniform Sunday.