Rookie cornerback Carlos Rogers made his first NFL regular-season start in Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks. Rogers started in place of Walt Harris, who was deactivated for the game due to a calf injury.

Despite being targeted by the Seahawks offense, Rogers held his own most of the game and did not give up a big play. But it was clear early on that the Seahawks targeted the inexperienced corner.

The Seahawks attacked Rogers on their first two offensive plays. Engram finished with a game-high nine receptions for 106 yards and his longest reception was 26 yards.

Rogers finished with seven tackles. He also forced Seattle running back Shaun Alexander into a fumble, but the ball rolled out of bounds and stayed in the Seahawks' possession.

In the Redskins' first two games this season, Rogers played in a reserve role, logging just one tackle. He had started two games in the preseason for an injured Harris.

Said cornerback Shawn Springs: "Carlos played well in the preseason when he had the opportunity to start for Walt. That just let us know that when someone goes down, the other person steps right up. That's what our defense is all about."

Assistant head coach-defense Gregg Williams has always played it conservative when inserting rookies into the starting lineup. Last year, safety Sean Taylor started his first NFL game in Week 3.

Williams said last week that Rogers had advanced enough to increase his workload in defensive schemes.

"We try to bring them in and get them acclimated to make sure they understand what pro football is all about," Williams said. "We try not to do anything that puts the team, which is more important, under stress. There's a learning curve for any young player."

"Carlos has probably been as fast as anyone I have ever coached. The fact that we've tried to keep his confidence up and put him in situations that allow him to succeed is a big plus."