Some Banged-Up Redskins Make Trip for Preseason Opener, Others Stay Home

NASHVILLE, Aug. 11 -- The Washington Redskins brought several players to Tennessee who were coming off minor injuries, but all of them were in uniform for the preseason opener at LP Field.

Tailback Ladell Betts, who suffered a minor neck injury in practice, started in place of Clinton Portis (knee), but played just one series before making way for Rock Cartwright. Fullback Mike Sellers, who injured his knee in practice, played much of the first half, as did wide receiver James Thrash, who missed Thursday's practice with a groin problem.

Tackle Chris Samuels (knee), wide receiver Brandon Lloyd (shin splints), cornerback Jerametrius Butler (hamstring), defensive tackle Vaka Manupuna (quad) and tight end Tyler Ecker (groin) did not make the trip. Portis traveled here to be evaluated by famed orthopedist James Andrews, who told the team to continue the current course of action with his tendinitis.

"The report back to me was it's getting better for sure," Coach Joe Gibbs said.

Tackle Cornelius Griffin, who was hobbled by shoulder and groin problems last year, was in uniform but did not play. Gregg Williams, assistant head coach-defense, scripted the additional rest for Griffin, and his health is fine, the team said.

Young Sits

The Titans will be fielding questions for several days after starting quarterback Vince Young was scratched from Saturday's lineup an hour before kickoff.

Tennessee released a statement revealing that Young would not play participate in the game after "violating an unspecified team rule." Young, the 2006 offensive rookie of the year, was on the sidelines for the game. He will be back at practice this week and play next weekend at New England, according to the team.

In his postgame comments, Coach Jeff Fisher did not specify the cause for the move, but The Tennessean reported on its Web site that he violated training camp curfew by spending the night at home and not at the team hotel.

Memories in Music City

Any trip to Nashville conjures up special memories for Williams, who spent most of his professional career in the Oilers/Titans organization and was with the club when it moved to Tennessee. Williams is very close with Titans Coach Jeff Fisher and watched his children grow up here.

"I always enjoy going back and seeing all my friends' faces," Williams said. "I was with them for long time. We have some really good friends there, and it's good to see some of the people from our neighborhood. My kids went to school in that community. It's always fun to go back there." . . .

Reserve end Jamaal Green suffered a burner in his left shoulder in the second half tonight, but the injury is not believed to be serious. . . . Backup quarterback Mark Brunell (4 for 9 for 46 yards) played most of the second half, with Todd Collins coming in for the final few minutes and leading the game-winning drive. . . .

Rookie cornerback Byron Westbrook recovered a fumble in the end zone for the final score. . . . Shaun Suisham, the only kicker on the roster, hit the upright on a 47-yard field goal attempt and shanked the opening kickoff of the second half out of bounds.