Opportunity is knocking--again--for wide receiver Taylor Jacobs.
The Redskins' third-year player could earn substantial playing time this Sunday, either as a starter or third receiver, due to David Patten's injury situation. Patten has been hampered by knee soreness and is listed as doubtful for this Sunday's game against Oakland at FedExField.
Jacobs, the Redskins' second-round draft pick in 2003, has been slowed by nagging injuries throughout his three-year career. Last preseason, the injury bug struck again when he suffered a toe injury that sidelined him until the regular season opener.
By that time, Santana Moss and Patten had emerged as the starters and James Thrash was the designated third receiver.
Jacobs has just two catches for 33 yards in limited duty this season. For his career, he has 21 receptions for 248 yards and one touchdown.
Now back at full health, Jacobs knows this could be his best chance to establish himself in the NFL, even if it unfortunately comes at the expense of an injury.
"I've just kept working hard-I try to never let anyone out-work me," the 6-0, 202-pound receiver said on Thursday. "But we were doing well in the passing game this season, and the three receivers in front of me were playing great. You want to do what you can do, but it's an honor to sit back, watch and learn from them.
"You just have to understand that there's a plan for you and it'll come along."
Has he been frustrated with the number of injuries he's had in his career?
"You can always look back and be frustrated, but things happen for a reason," he said. "I looked at it as, it just wasn't my time. I've just tried to stay ready for when it is my time. I'll go out there and give it my all."
-- FARRIS VISITS REDSKINS PARK
Wide receiver Jimmy Farris was at Redskins Park on Thursday visiting with coaches and players. No word on whether the Redskins intend to sign the 6-0, 200-pound receiver to add to the depth of the wide receiver corps. With Patten doubtful, the Redskins would have just three available wide receivers for Sunday's game.
Farris spent the 2005 preseason with the Redskins and impressed coaches as a receiver and special teams player. In the preseason finale against the Baltimore Ravens, he caught four passes for 76 yards and two touchdowns.
Farris was released at the end of preseason--reluctantly by the coaches. He was caught in a numbers crunch at the wide receiver position.
-- THIS WEEK'S PORTIS COSTUME
If it's Thursday, that must mean it's time for Clinton Portis's weekly media session and costume. He arrived as a character named "Dollar Bill" and wore a green outfit, a spiked purple wig and sunglasses that read "COOL."
Portis has worn outrageous costumes to his weekly media sessions all season long.
Teammates and media find it hilarious, bizarre and silly, and Portis has shown no signs that he intends to stop. For a look at some of his previous costumes and personalities, click here.
Be sure to check out Redskins.com TV's video of the media session.
