Todd Herremans' return comes at an opportune time, with his team facing a critical three-game stretch against NFC East foes beginning Monday night on the road against the Redskins.
"I'm excited to get back out there and do whatever I can do to help us win more games," said Herremans, who missed the season's first five games following surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left foot. "I feel ready to roll."
Herremans participated fully in Wednesday's workout and indicated that he hopes to play the entire game at his left guard spot.
"My technique didn't feel bad today," Herremans said. "I think the biggest thing is probably going to be getting my wind back. We've got to see how this practice week goes, the next two days – doing the full practice and everything. See how tired I get, if I need a blow."
Head coach Andy Reid said Wednesday that Herremans would "work in" at left guard, a position Nick Cole has held down during his absence.
Regardless, Herremans' return is a timely one as it comes a week after the offensive line allowed six sacks to the Raiders.
Quarterback Donovan McNabb, for one, is glad to have Herremans back.
"It's good for our team to get another one of our guys who is an experienced player on the offensive line," McNabb said. "We've talked about getting out and getting back to old form. I know he is looking forward to it. We're excited for him. I think he will help our o-line as well."
Though he has yet to play this season, Herremans says he feel comfortable working alongside Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters.
"I've been watching Jason play so I know how he plays," Herremans said. "You can pick up a lot on the film."
Herremans, Peters and Co. figure to have their hands full Monday night against a Washington defense ranked fifth in the NFL (both in yards allowed and points allowed).
Though Pro Bowl defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth has only contributed 1.5 of Washington's 15 sacks this season, Washington's prized free-agent acquisition is a huge interior presence and the anchor of the defensive line.
"They say if you want to be the best you've got to beat the best," Herremans said. "Might as well start there."
-- Posted by Bob Kent, 5:55 p.m., October 22
