Cornerback Phillip Buchanon is back at Redskins Park this week, his four-game NFL suspension having come to an end.

Buchanon rejoined the Redskins on the practice field on Tuesday. He was still nursing a shoulder injury that he suffered in preseason.

"He worked out and when he left he was a little bit sore with that shoulder, but that looked pretty good," head coach Mike Shanahan said.

The Redskins must make a roster move upon activating Buchanon, although the NFL does allow a roster exemption for a few days.

"We'll have to do something this week," Shanahan said.

In the locker room after practice, Buchanon said it felt good to be back even though he rejoined the club just as the bye week arrived.

"I had my bye week the first four weeks," he said. "I just want to help this team. We're 3-1 right now and that's a good feeling. Unfortunately for me, I wasn't able to be a part of the first four, but I look forward to being part of the next 12."

If Buchanon's shoulder is healthy and he proves to coaches he's in playing shape, then he could play in the Redskins' Week 6 game vs. Philadelphia.

"He's going to help us right away," Shanahan said. "He can help our football team. I have to check out in these next few weeks what type of shape he's in, hopefully he can help us against Philly."