1. Who will be the starting quarterback? Though coach Jay Gruden said Thursday that it’s his intention to have Colt McCoy be the Redskins’ quarterback for the game, it’s still plausible, for a variety of reasons, that Robert Griffin III could step in. McCoy earned the nod on Nov. 26 and was presumably the starter for the final five games, but he’s still recovering from a pinched nerve in his neck.
2. Which injured players will be back on the field? It seems as though wide receiver DeSean Jackson and inside linebacker Keenan Robinson have a chance to return after missing the Redskins’ loss to St. Louis, but strong safety Brandon Meriweather still seems to be the odd man out. If Meriweather sits again, that’ll provide another opportunity for Phillip Thomas, who figures into the team’s future plans.
3. Can the Redskins stop Larry Donnell? The Giants tight end caught three of his six touchdown passes this season in the teams’ previous meeting on Sept. 25, and shutting down the athletic target will be a priority of the Redskins’ defense. The Giants are sure to go back to Donnell, especially in tight red zone situations.
4. What’s to be done about the special teams? A punt return for a touchdown by Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin only added fuel to the fire in the 24-0 rout on Sunday, and the Redskins have been searching for a spark on special teams. Look for running back Chris Thompson, signed off the practice squad on Thursday, to step in as the kickoff returner.
5. Is there anything to play for? At 3-10, the Redskins enter the game on a five-game losing streak, and the Giants, at 4-9, snapped a seven-game skid with a romp at Tennessee in Week 14. Coach Jay Gruden said he doesn’t believe effort will be in question on Sunday, but the game has no playoff implications and, at this point, only affects pride and draft position.
• Zac Boyer can be reached at zboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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