We have the official word on injuries, in NFLspeak.

Redskins:

Reed Doughty (back) -- out.
Stephon Heyer (shoulder) and Marcus Washington (hamstring) -- questionable.
Jason Taylor (calf), Cornelius Griffin (shoulder), Shawn Springs (calf), Randy Thomas (knee), Pete Kendall (knees) -- probable.

Rams:

Drew Bennett (foot), Tye Hill (knee), Dane Looker (concussion), Antonio Pittman (lower leg) -- out.
Kennan Burton (knee) -- doubtful.
Will Witherspoon (shoulder) -- probable.

And Jason Reid previews the game:

From Jason Reid:

Rookie punter Durant Brooks, who struggled again last week against Philadelphia, performed well in practice and "we're trying to do a few little different things to get him ready for that single kick," Jim Zorn said. "He does really well as he's warming up. You get him warmed up, he starts getting that rhythm and he goes.

"But for punters, as well as kickers, it's one time, rest. One time, rest. And that's a big difference. That's really what he's been working on this week, trying to get that rhythm going, if there's even a rhythm to that."

An update on other injuries, from Jason Reid:

Strong-side linebacker Marcus Washington, hampered by recurring hamstring problems the past two seasons, will be a game-time decision, Zorn said. Washington has missed two games, including last week's victory over Philadelphia.

Defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin (shoulder) will be re-evaluated today but is expected to play.

Cornerback Shawn Springs, who sat out last week because of a calf injury, will be active.

Safety Reed Doughty (back) has been ruled out, Zorn said.

From Jason Reid;

Tackle Stephon Heyer (shoulder) will be inactive against the Rams, Jim Zorn said.

"He's probably the furthest guy away" among Washington's injured players, Zorn said. "I'm going to put him down. He just doesn't have enough strength in that shoulder yet to really explode."

Heyer, who practiced Thursday and today, said his shoulder felt well enough for him to play but "that's his decision. It's up to him. There is no setback.

"I guess he just still wants me to rest a little more. It's a lot better."

From Jason Reid:

Having recovered well from emergency surgery less than three weeks ago, Redskins Pro Bowl defensive end Jason Taylor could start tomorrow against the St. Louis Rams at Fed Ex Field.

Taylor, who underwent a procedure Sept. 22 to relieve compartment syndrome in his left calf, practiced yesterday for the second time this week. Coach Jim Zorn was encouraged that Taylor "moved well" in limited reps and "looks like he's up to speed," saying he expected the 12-year veteran to participate against the Rams.

From Jason Reid:

Practice has begun with players in shorts and shells. Marcus Washington and Stephon Heyer are on the field; only Reed Doughty is unaccounted for and he's been out with a bad back, so that is no surprise.

Sorry to interrupt. Wanted to pass along that over on The League Mark Maske has Mayor Fenty's comments yesterday about getting the Redskins back in D.C. here.

You can't spell Friday without a T, C, C or L...

165 TCCLs - London Fletcher

Just keeps on ticking. Dude has never missed a game, keeping a 10-year streak going, while another remarkable one, that belonging to teammate Jason Taylor, ended. Fletcher was all over Brian Westbrook on Sunday, particularly on some key third downs, and he and Rocky McIntosh delivered some big blows early; fracturing Westbrook's ribs changed that game for good.

As the week has played out, I've come around a little on the whole idea that this is a "trap game." I mean, every week up here is a trap game if you ask me, but with the Rams needing a win, losing a coach, and having some individual talent, I guess I've been swayed a bit.

My general thinking remains the same - the Skins will win by a healthy margin of 10-12 points - but won't cover that high Vegas opening line. And if they score a few times right away, then I see real blowout potential.

Perhaps the Giants' upset of the Patriots in the Super Bowl was the harbinger. For the first time in a long time, the NFC now seems superior to the AFC. With the Pats and Colts staggering, the Chargers imploding, and the Steelers and Titans still unproven, you have to look at the dominance of the NFC East and call it the best division in football. And I think that, overall, teams like Green Bay and Carolina can be pretty good, too. I'm giving the early nod to the NFC.