Redskins DE Taylor hopes to play in opener

Aug 26, 2008 - 5:14 PM ASHBURN, Virginia (Ticker) -- Expected to miss 10 to 14 days with a sprained right knee, Washington Redskins defensive end Jason Taylor has not ruled out playing in the September 4 season opener against the Super Bowl champion New York Giants.

Taylor, 33, who was acquired from the Miami Dolphins last month, suffered the injury midway through the second quarter of Saturday's preseason game against the Carolina Panthers. An MRI confirmed the sprain.

"I have been a quick healer in the past," he said. "People think I'm old, but I'm not that old yet. I feel all right. If we had to play (Tuesday), I couldn't do it. But we have time. I'll put my best foot forward in rehab and see where we are next week."

Redskins coach Jim Zorn expressed relief that the injury was not more serious.

"It looks like there is no ligament damage," Zorn said. "So we're just waiting to see what kind of a healer he is going to be."

Taylor's sprain occured on the same night that New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora suffered a season-ending knee injury.

"It was scary," said Taylor, whose knee remains in a brace. "When it happened, you just hoped that it wasn't a career-ending injury or anything like that. This is a physical game, and things happen. Preseason or not, you got out and try to play hard."

If Taylor doesn't make it back for the opener, he would 10 days to get ready for Washington's second game on September 14 against the New Orleans Saints.

A six-time Pro Bowl selection with the Dolphins, Taylor has recorded 117 sacks in 172 games. He also was the 2006 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.