Rookie linebacker Rocky McIntosh made his first NFL start in Sunday's game against the St. Louis Rams.
McIntosh started at weak-side linebacker, with Warrick Holdman switching to the strong-side replacing Marcus Washington.
McIntosh finished the game with eight tackles, tied for second-most on the team. He also had two special teams tackles in the 37-31 overtime loss.
For McIntosh, it has been a long wait to get into the starting lineup. Holdman had started the first 14 games at weak-side linebacker, recording 88 tackles and one sack.
With Washington sidelined for the season with a knee injury, assistant head coach-defense Gregg Williams opted to get an extended look at McIntosh.
It seems likely that McIntosh will get another start in next Saturday's season finale against the New York Giants at FedExField.
"He has gotten even more reps in the practice setting so that he is more comfortable," Williams said. "Not only for him, though--it is easy to all of the sudden say, 'Hey Gregg, go and put this guy in.' But the other guys have to play beside him. They have to get comfortable playing beside him too.
"All rookies have to go through that. I thought [McIntosh] has done very well on special teams."
McIntosh's biggest play of the game may have come despite some apparent confusion.
The Rams faced a 3rd-and-1 at their 27-yard line in the second half, and running back Steven Jackson took a handoff and ran up the middle. McIntosh raced on to the field late and just as the ball was snapped, and he plugged the interior to stuff Jackson at the line of scrimmage for no gain.
The Redskins had traded up in last year's draft to select McIntosh, the 6-2, 231-pound linebacker out of Miami, with the 35th overall pick in the second round.
Entering Sunday's game, McIntosh had played mostly on special teams this season. He ranks second on the team with 25 special teams tackles.
Jeff Posey, a 9-year veteran who signed with the Redskins during training camp, was also expected to see action on defense, but he played only on special teams.
The Redskins' complete list of inactive players for the game was as follows: wide receiver Mike Espy and David Patten, cornerback Mike Rumph, offensive lineman Jim Molinaro, defensive tackles Ryan Boschetti and Anthony Montgomery and tight end Brian Kozlowski.
-- REDSKINS FROM ANOTHER ERA
A pair of former Pro Bowl Redskins, running back Stephen Davis and punter Matt Turk, saw action for the Rams on Sunday.
Davis logged three carries for 13 yards, including an 8-yard run that converted a critical third down. He also caught a 10-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Marc Bulger in the third quarter.
Davis played for the Redskins from 1996-2002 and he is third on the team's all-time rushing list with 5,790 yards on 1,383 carries. One of the most popular players in Redskins history, Davis earned Pro Bowl nods from 1999-2000.
With the Rams, Davis backs up Pro Bowl running back Steven Jackson. Entering Sunday's game, Davis had 33 carries for 160 yards and 11 catches for 80 yards this season.
"He's coming in and really playing his role," wide receiver Torry Holt said. "He's helping Jackson out a lot as far as sharing some of his experiences and some things he went through throughout his career. He's been a big plus for our football team."
Turk had five punts for a 41.2-yard average in Sunday's game. He also had a punt blocked in the first half.
Turk played for the Redskins from 1995-99 and averaged 43.6 yards per kick in five seasons. He earned Pro Bowl nods from 1997-99.
Entering Sunday's game, Turk has averaged 43.5 yards per punt this season. He missed all of 2005 with a groin injury.
Said head coach Scott Linehan: "Matt is having a great year. He got himself healthy and worked very hard to get back."
Another former Redskin, quarterback Gus Frerotte, did not see action. He is the backup to Marc Bulger. Frerotte was originally drafted by the Redskins in the seventh round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played in 52 games for Washington, starting 51, and threw 48 touchdowns and 44 interceptions.
