Flu Knocks Moss Out of 2nd Workout

By Andrew Astleford
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, June 12, 2008

His face flushed, wide receiver Santana Moss walked away from Redskins Park in street clothes shortly after practice yesterday.

Moss missed his second workout in seven organized team activity sessions, and this time it was obvious he was battling a case of the flu. Moss skipped the June 2 workout after a weekend of partying to celebrate his 29th birthday and later in the week blamed his absence on a conveniently timed illness.

However, as he moved toward the lobby exit yesterday, it was clear he was actually sick.

"I've got a little flu," Moss said. "It started [Tuesday] morning and continued today."

Coach Jim Zorn said Moss was expected to check with trainers yesterday afternoon to determine his status for the final workout today. Moss had 61 receptions last season, totaling 808 yards and three touchdowns.

"Santana is sick. . . . I don't think it was the partying type, but I really do think he is sick," Zorn said.

"It was really hot [Monday and Tuesday], so maybe it could have been a little bit of heat exhaustion. He was throwing up this morning. He's going to come in this afternoon and check in with the trainers and see if he feels any better."

Play-Calling Not an Issue

With curiosity surrounding Zorn's West Coast system, offensive coordinator Sherman Smith doesn't want to hear debate about who will be calling plays this fall.

Smith, who joined the Redskins on Feb. 15 after spending the last 13 seasons coaching running backs for the Tennessee Titans, said as long as the word reaches the field he will be happy -- no matter who gets it there.

"The goal is to get wins on Sunday," he said. "Whoever calls the plays -- I don't care if Donald Duck calls the plays. . . . It doesn't matter who sends it."

Score One for the Defense

Near the end of practice, the offense struggled to convert scoring opportunities during red-zone drills, with a majority of passes from quarterback Jason Campbell being swatted down.

"The defense did a wonderful job shutting us down on offense in the red zone," Zorn said. "They did a really nice job. We got in a few times. We missed a couple open receivers as well."

Malcolm Kelly did provide a highlight, though. The 6-foot-4 wide receiver snagged a reception from defenders near the back of the end zone and caught a bit praise from Zorn. "We saw Malcolm Kelly jump for that ball at the end and beat the defender one-on-one. That's what he can do, and he does it well. He's a great player."

Surgery for Tight End Ecker

Tight end Tyler Ecker underwent groin surgery yesterday, according to Zorn. A 2007 draft pick from Michigan, he was injured on the opening weekend of training camp last year and has been hurt since.

Zorn said Ecker had work done on his left groin and that it will be at least eight weeks before he can return to full speed. The presence of Chris Cooley, Todd Yoder and rookie Fred Davis, who was taken in the second round of this year's draft, had made Ecker something of a long shot to make the team.

Big Boys' Games

The ongoing good-natured ribbing between center Casey Rabach and kicker Shaun Suisham reached a new level when Rabach parked in Suisham's spot. Retaliation didn't take long.

By practice's end a pizza box was placed on the window of Rabach's car with the words: "Kickers only. Check your tires." Rabach's tire was partially flat, and Zorn could only smile about the whole thing.

"I think they have a little deal going, and I'm not sure who is ahead yet," Zorn said. "But they both like each other's cars. I don't know what's going on there."

Thrash's Leg Up

Wide receiver James Thrash doesn't want to rub teammates the wrong way, but he admits his previous experience with the Philadelphia Eagles has helped him in adjusting to Coach Zorn's offensive scheme.

The 11-year veteran, who was with the Redskins his first four seasons, spent three years in the Eagles' West Coast offense before rejoining Washington in 2004. While in Philadelphia, he started all but one game and amassed 15 touchdown receptions. He said some verbiage overlaps between the two systems, but nothing substitutes for on-field experience.

"Just every day you get better, just hearing it from the quarterback," he said. "It's one thing to study it in the meeting room, but when you come out here and hear it from the quarterback, that's when you need to know it and apply it.

"It makes it a little smoother transition for me, because some of the stuff is familiar to me from when I was with the Eagles. But everyone's offense is totally different."

Horton Believes He Belongs

Safety Chris Horton said he fights each day like he's not guaranteed tomorrow. Horton is one of nine draft picks vying for a position before the season opener Sept. 4.

The 6-foot-1, 216-pound UCLA product was picked in the seventh round, 249th overall. He started 28 of 41 games for the Bruins and recorded 238 tackles.

"My job every day is to come out here and work and show the coaches that I belong," he said.

"I'm not worried about the next day. Everyone's good. Everyone's going to come out here and compete. Somebody's going to have to leave. I'm going to do my best to show these coaches that I belong."