By Mark Maske and Liz Clarke
Washington Post Staff Writers
Friday, September 4, 1998; Page C6

Coach Norv Turner said yesterday he's virtually certain that Scott Blanton will be the Washington Redskins' place kicker for Sunday's regular season opener against the New York Giants. But Turner also made it clear that he'd like to see Blanton, who missed practice for a second day in a row yesterday because of a sore groin muscle, kick during today's practice at Redskin Park.

"Scott, I think, will be fine," Turner said. "If he kicks well [today] and is healthy, he'll kick Sunday."

David Akers, who's on the Redskins' five-member practice squad, kicked during yesterday's practice. The Redskins also could turn to Jeff Sauve, who was cut after battling for Blanton's job during training camp. Turner said that team officials will make a decision today about the situation if Blanton remains unable to kick.

"If [Blanton] hadn't kicked so well in the [preseason] games, I'd be frustrated," Turner said. "I'd like him to kick during the week. But if we can get him through this injury, then he can have a great year."

Blanton left Redskin Park before yesterday's practice, and said: "I should be ready by Sunday."

He's been receiving treatment for his sore groin, which bothered him throughout training camp. He said that he plans to kick during today's practice – but not if that would aggravate the injury and threaten his status for Sunday's game.

"I'm hoping to . . . [but] I want to be 100 percent going into Sunday," Blanton said.

Davis Improving
Stephen Davis participated in practice for a second straight day, and Redskins officials said they're becoming increasingly optimistic that the backup running back will be available on Sunday. Davis sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee during the Buffalo game. . . .

Rookie tight end Stephen Alexander has filed an appeal regarding the $5,000 fine levied against him by the NFL for punching defensive end Greg Spires during the Aug. 22 game against the New England Patriots.

"The guy was holding me, and I was just trying to get loose," Alexander said. "It wasn't intentional or premeditated."

Alexander hasn't received his first paycheck from the Redskins. Fines are deducted from players' game checks.