By Ivan Carter
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, February 10, 2007

Forward Michael Ruffin, who has missed 37 consecutive games with a right foot sprain, practiced yesterday and is edging closer to a return. Ruffin participated in a shoot-around before last Saturday's game against the Lakers, but suffered a setback and did not suit up.

"It feels good," said Ruffin, who last played in a loss at Dallas on Nov. 21.

Ruffin's return would give Coach Eddie Jordan more lineup options and help offset the absence of injured forward Antawn Jamison, who has missed four games with a left knee sprain that is expected to keep him out until early March. The Wizards are 1-3 without Jamison, the team's third-leading scorer, second-leading rebounder and captain.

Forward Darius Songaila continues to make progress after missing training camp, the preseason and the first 45 games with a lower back injury. Songaila played 11 minutes in the loss to the Lakers, six in a win over Seattle on Monday night and a season-high 12 in Wednesday's loss to San Antonio.

In three games, Songaila has made 2 of 8 shots and totaled four points, six rebounds and an assist. Jordan likes the progress being made by Songaila, who signed a five-year, $23 million contract with the team in July and is expected to provide a boost down the stretch.

"He's playing well," Jordan said. "He's playing harder longer in practice so it's a matter of time before he feels good about himself and knocks some shots down. We see his intelligent play, his calmness on the floor, his veteran savvy. He makes the extra pass. He knows how to fake a pass and get into a shot and he knows post defense. He knows every aspect of the game. He's really solid."