Washington Redskins vs. St. Louis Rams: 5 Questions

Five questions facing the Redskins as they host St. Louis on Sunday:

1. How will Colt McCoy progress? The quarterback will make consecutive starts for the first time since late in the 2011 season, which in turn offers him the first opportunity to build upon the mistakes he made in the Redskins’ last game. McCoy started slow against Indianapolis and shouldered much of the blame for poor tempo in and out of the huddle, and establishing that consistency should be paramount this week.

2. Will Pierre Garçon get more involved? Coach Jay Gruden said Monday that Garçon, who set a single-season team record for catches last year but has only had more than three twice in the last nine games, needs to get the ball more frequently. The Redskins have been trying — Garçon had three catches on nine targets in the loss to the Colts — but still only had nine receiving yards.

3. Who will be healthy enough to play? Wide receiver DeSean Jackson, middle linebacker Keenan Robinson and strong safety Brandon Meriweather each sustained injuries that leave their availability for Sunday in doubt. Jackson’s potential absence should provide an additional opportunities for Garçon, but the real focus will be on the defensive backfield, which has been reeling for two weeks. If Meriweather can’t play, Phillip Thomas would make his first start.

4. What challenges does the Rams’ defensive front provide? Defensive end Robert Quinn has nine sacks this season, a year after he finished second in the league with 19, and should be the responsibility of left tackle Trent Williams, who was still visibly wounded last week after missing a game with a sprained right knee. The Rams also benefit from having defensive end Chris Long back in the fold, and defensive tackle Michael Brockers has been a disruptive presence inside.

5. What will the atmosphere at FedEx Field be like? With the Redskins, at 3-9, hosting a non-divisional opponent with a losing record in what’s expected to be unfavorable weather, they could be playing in front of a smaller, disinterested crowd. Basically, it’s yet another December home game.