- The Washington Times - Monday, October 17, 2011

A day after Mike Shanahan pulled quarterback Rex Grossman in favor of John Beck, the Washington Redskins coach wouldn’t say who is the team’s starting quarterback.

“I have not made up my mind right now,” Shanahan said during Monday afternoon’s press conference. “I believe in both guys. … I know these guys have got what it takes.”

Shanahan said he’ll discuss the situation after Wednesday’s practice. Before Shanahan’s comments, receivers Santana Moss and Jabar Gaffney backed starting Grossman.

“No question,” Moss said. “That’s not even something that should be asked.”

Grossman threw four interceptions in the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday — two other near-interceptions were dropped — before Beck was summoned for the fourth quarter.

Shanahan admitted thoughts of pulling Grossman surfaced after his third interception.

In other news, Shanahan confirmed guard Kory Lichtensteiger is out for the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Rookie guard Maurice Hurt will be activated from the practice squad to replace Lichtensteiger on the 53-man roster.

Tight end Chris Cooley will have surgery on his injured hand Wednesday. Shanahan didn’t know how long Cooley will be sidelined, but the return date will depend on healing in Cooley’s troublesome left knee.

No timetable was given for tackle Trent Williams’ return from a high right ankle sprain, but Shanahan said the recovery time for similar injuries is usually a “couple” weeks.

• Nathan Fenno can be reached at nfenno@washingtontimes.com.

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