With less than 72 hours to go before kickoff at FedExField, both the Washington Redskins and Carolina Panthers stood pat at the Thursday, 4 p.m. NFL trade deadline.
Carolina running back DeAngelo Williams was a popular rumor mill subject this week, as was veteran wide receiver Steve Smith. Both players are expected to suit up for the Panthers this Sunday.
Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan told the media earlier this week that the team was open to offers without the expectation of making a move.
A poll on Redskins.com revealed that 85 percent of fans would like to see the team address the defensive secondary via trade, with 55 percent specifying cornerback.
Buccaneers cornerback Aquib Talib--a former Bruce Allen draft pick and star pupil of Raheem Morris--was traded along with a seventh-round draft pick to the New England Patriots for a 2013 fourth-round draft pick.
It is unclear if the Redskins had interest in Talib or anyone else.
One way that the Redskins hope to add talent over the final eight weeks of the season is with key players returning from injury.
Redskins receiver Pierre Garcon did not participate in practice today, still nursing a foot injury that has bothered him since the preason and held him out of practice for more than a week.
Redskins long snapper Nick Sundberg has been on injured reserve since Week 2, but can return under the new league rules in Week 11. If cleared to return, he will be available after the bye week.
Shanahan addressed the status of offensive tackle Jammal Brown, who must be activated from the team's physically unable to perform list when the team returns from the bye week.
"We'll evaluate him when we come back from the bye week and make a decision then," Shanahan said. "[He'll get] three weeks [of practice]. We'll make a decision at 21 days. Could be the first week or the last week."
Redskins safety Brandon Meriweather practiced in a limited fashion again today, and has not been ruled out for a Redskins debut on Sunday.
"He practiced today. He went through drills. He was limited," Shanahan reported. "That's all I can tell you right now. Is there a chance [he will be ready for Sunday]? Yeah, there's a chance."
.
.
.
