The final week of the preseason unfolds tomorrow night at venues across the country, and in most cases, the stakes are non-existent.
Not for the Redskins.
First off, they will get quarterback Jason Campbell back after a knee injury scare Aug. 18 against the Steelers. He was hurt when Steelers DE Brett Keisel rolled on his left knee. Campbell initially thought his season was done, although a subsequent MRI revealed a severe bruise. Every snap is important for Campbell, who goes into the regular season as the starter after replacing Mark Brunell last season.
Just as important is the possibility that the Redskins will get RB Clinton Portis back into the lineup. Portis has missed a significant portion of both the off-season workouts and training camp practices due to tendinitis in his knees. He hasn't taken a snap in a preseason game.
This is a pivotal year for the Redskins and coach Joe Gibbs, who has simply not had the coaching magic since returning to the sidelines in 2004. If things fall right for Washington, Gibbs has a chance at a .500 record or better.
If not, it could be disaster and wind up with Gibbs heading back home to hang out with the grandkids.