Chris Samuels was full-go for Monday's practice and the Pro Bowl left tackle is expected to start this Sunday's regular-season opener against Miami.

Samuels missed most of training camp and all four of the Redskins' preseason games this year as he recovered from a sprained knee.

Samuels, a Pro Bowler the last two seasons, said he figures to be "a little rusty" in terms of technique, but he expects to get back into playing condition quickly.

He has spent considerable time running the last two days in order to improve his conditioning.

Samuels will face a challenge in the Redskins' first game: he'll match up against Miami defensive end Jason Taylor, who logged 13.5 sacks last year and was named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year.

"He is one of the best--if not the best--in the league coming in off the edge and rushing the passer," Samuels said.

Samuels will also be getting his first extensive work with new left guard Pete Kendall this week. The Redskins acquried Kendall in a trade with the New York Jets on Aug. 27.

Samuels and Kendall will have to develop cohesion quickly.

"We'll get a start on developing it in practice this week," Samuels said. "We'll have to."

Fortunately, the Redskins open at FedExField. That should help Samuels and Kendall to communicate efficiently on the field.

"Playing at home is definitely a comfort level for me," Samuels said. "I know that it won't be as loud out there. If we were playing in Indianapolis or somewhere like that, then it would be tough."