- The Washington Times - Monday, August 13, 2012

Chris Cooley was pleased by his performance filling in for fullback Darrel Young in the Redskins’ preseason-opening victory last Thursday.

“I didn’t play very many plays, and I think it went well,” Cooley said. “I don’t think I’m the kind of player like DY where you’re going to see someone knock someone down in the hole, but I think I’m an efficient player at fullback. And I think the capability that I have to play many different positions in our offense is a huge asset for me, especially at this point in my career.”

He hopes to play more snaps against Chicago on Saturday, either at tight end or fullback. Long term, Cooley doesn’t know what his season will look like.

“It’d be good for us if I can play everywhere, and if I’m here doing everything I think that’s an asset. If DY’s hurt six weeks in, I’m comfortable going in and playing that position,” he said. “If you ask me what I want to do, I want to start at tight end and catch 80 balls this year. But at the same time, I want this team to be successful, this offense to be successful, us to win football games. So I really don’t care where I am if we’re doing that.”

And as much as Cooley wants to be a tight end, his contributions may very well be judged by more than just how many catches and touchdowns he ends up with.

“I think you judge it on looking at a guy and saying, ’He’s a versatile player and he can do a lot for this offense,’’’ he said.

Williams feeling better

Left tackle Trent Williams was back on the field Monday after suffering a bruised left foot in Thursday night’s game at the Buffalo Bills, though he did not take part in team drills. Williams, whose foot was rolled up by left guard Maurice Hurt, pronounced himself to be feeling “a lot better,” and coach Mike Shanahan was encouraged by the 24-year-old’s ability to take part in the morning walk-through.

“He’s good. I think he’s still a little bit sore,” Shanahan said. “It’ll be day-by-day. Not really sure how quickly it’s going to improve.”

For his part, Williams is itching to get back.

“Of course I want to be out there,” he said. “If coach let me go, I’m going to go.”

Campbell steps in

With Williams, right tackle Jammal Brown (hip) and other offensive linemen banged up, new signee Chris Campbell was the next guy on the Redskins’ list of free agents to bring in, Shanahan said.

Campbell, who spent last season with the Green Bay Packers, found himself without a team when training camps opened and went from more than 350 pounds to around 320.

“I was 357 pounds. And I’m a player that’s really athletic, and I can move,” he said. “I can move pretty good at 350, but I can move a lot better at 315.”

Campbell, 25, who drew interest from the Canadian Football League and the Carolina Panthers, cut back on greasy foods, worked out and now hopes to contribute to the Redskins.

According to Campbell, he hasn’t discussed the weight the Redskins want him to have. But he’s satisfied with where it is.

“I got my weight down,” Campbell said. “I’m back to the player that I am.”

Extra points

Running back Roy Helu sat out Monday’s practice with Achilles tendinitis, something he has battled before. … Nose tackle Chris Neild suffered an injury to his left knee that caused him to get off the field early. Shanahan said Neild was scheduled to get an MRI.

• Rich Campbell can be reached at rcampbell@washingtontimes.com.

• Stephen Whyno can be reached at swhyno@washingtontimes.com.

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