Patrick Ramsey spoke with reporters on Wednesday, two days after he was replaced as the team's starting quarterback.
Asked about his reaction to Joe Gibbs' decision to start Mark Brunell next Monday night at Dallas, Ramsey replied: "Just as I've said, I don't agree. I feel like I wanted to play. I wanted a chance to play. Coach Gibbs and I have talked about it. I wish Mark the best. I truly do."
Ramsey also addressed media reports suggesting that he had asked to be traded: "I'm not leading anybody to believe anything. Coach Gibbs and I have talked and what was said is between us. I haven't specifically told Coach that I want a trade."
As to whether he felt like Gibbs' decision was unfair, Ramsey replied: "It was Coach's decision. He said he had a gut [feeling]. It's his decision and that's what we're going to go with."
Ramsey played three offensive series in Sunday's 9-7 win over the Chicago Bears. On his third offensive series, Ramsey was sacked by Bears' linebacker Lance Briggs, who came in on a blitz and tackled Ramsey with a clothesline tackle around the neck. Ramsey fumbled the ball and it was recovered by the Bears.
Ramsey suffered a neck sprain on the play and was replaced by Brunell the rest of the game. Brunell was 8-of-14 for 70 yards and guided the offense to three field goals. Ramsey was 6-of-11 for 105 yards and one interception.
After Wednesday's practice at Redskins Park, Gibbs praised Ramsey for his professionalism in dealing with the change.
"For me, Patrick has handled this better than one could ever expect," Gibbs said. "He's been very professional. I know he doesn't like it. He's a competitor. I have great admiration for the way he's handled this. I really do. That says a lot about him."
Added Gibbs: "Patrick had a great attitude today [at practice] and we're going to go to work, because you never know in that situation he's in at what point he'll be back in the game."
Gibbs was asked if he was concerned with Ramsey's confidence level at all.
"Quarterbacks have to be unusually tough mentally," Gibbs said. "Most of them go through some real tough times. They have tremendous pressure and most of them have grown up with that. From a confidence standpoint, I think Patrick has it."
The quarterback change notwithstanding Ramsey and Brunell remain close friends.
Said Ramsey: "This doesn't affect our relationship in any way. It probably just brings us closer together, if you want to know the truth. I know that sounds odd, but that's the truth."
