Taylor Rests Again, Remains Doubtful For Sunday's Game

Jason Taylor, who missed practice yesterday for a previously scheduled doctor's appointment, is unlikely to play Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, Coach Jim Zorn said.

Taylor said the appointment went well, and his recovery from emergency surgery to relieve compartment syndrome in his left leg is on schedule. Avoiding infection is key, he said.

"I'm probably ahead on some things and not where I want to be on other things," Taylor said.

He had hoped to practice yesterday but was told to rest the duration of the day. "It's coming," said Taylor, who added that the stitches will remain in his calf probably a couple more weeks and missing games "is killing me."

Although he did not give a specific timetable for his return -- "it's a matter of how everybody's body reacts" -- Taylor said he could play with the stitches still in.

Horton Takes Honor

Chris Horton has been named the NFL's defensive rookie of the month and is the first Redskins player to win the award since Fred Smoot in 2001.

Horton, the 249th overall pick in the April draft, has started twice and intercepted three passes and recovered a fumble in those games. He is tied for the NFC lead in interceptions. While he may be rookie of the month, at the end of the day at Redskins Park, he's still just a rookie. The award won't change his status in the locker room.

Taped lines on the floor mark Horton's territory -- his locker is tucked between those of Cornelius Griffin and LaRon Landry -- and he knows to stay within that area, taking the ribbing from the vets in stride.

"Cornelius told me, 'Hey, rookie, stay in between the white lines,' "Horton said.

As for the award, Horton said: "I just want to stay consistent."

Rogers Receives High Marks

Defensive coordinator Greg Blache threw out for him what is lavish praise for cornerback Carlos Rogers. Rogers, the ninth pick in the 2005 draft, hasn't always been a film junkie, relying more on his ability, but Blache believes Rogers has changed.

"Carlos has grown more in the last three weeks than he did in his first three years," Blache said. He added that the corners have "been the strength of the defense," and that after not heeding the advice of veteran corners Shawn Springs and Fred Smoot in the past, Rogers is welcoming their hints. "I think you'll see a different Carlos Rogers from here on out," Blache said.

Injury Updates

Marcus Washington (hamstring) and Randy Thomas (turf toe) continue to work through their injuries, Zorn said, and were limited again in practice. . . . Springs missed practice again with his calf injury, and Zorn said "the light is fading. . . . But we have to wait and see how the calf responds." . . . Stephon Heyer missed practice again with his shoulder injury and is unlikely to play. . . . Malcolm Kelly (ankle) will "be okay to go Sunday, but I don't know if he'll be active," Zorn said. . . . Andre Carter remained excused for family reasons, Zorn said, but could return tomorrow. Zorn said, it was a "positive" thing for Carter to be working through a "very important situation."