Posted by Josh Katzowitz

All week long, Redskins TE Chris Cooley has been listed as questionable on the team’s injury report, and because of his balky left knee, he’s been limited in practice (after not playing in any of Washington’s preseason games). So, what’s the deal? The newest starting quarterback (that would be Rex Grossman) -- and the rest of us -- would like to know his status.

“I’m getting better every day,” Cooley said Friday, via the Washington Times.

Of course, that doesn’t tell us anything, which is just the way Redskins coach Mike Shanahan would prefer it.

But there is good news regarding Cooley and his knee injury. He’s lost about 20 pounds and is down to 234, and he could only do so because the injury allowed him to focus on eating right and exercising without having to worry about maintaining his energy for practice.

“It’s a huge benefit to me,” he said. “The responsibilities that the tight end has in the run blocking scheme are a little bit different because of the zone blocking. It’s more about quickness and being able to get your hands on guys and be able to stay with guys.

“I think I’ll be completely fine in the run game. I think I’ll feel better when I’m running routes. I’m assuming I’ll have more endurance taking 20 pounds of weight off.”

If Cooley doesn’t play, look for No. 2 tight end Fred Davis to take over those snaps vs. the Giants. After losing about 15 pounds this offseason, Davis had an impressive training camp, so the Redskins should feel good that the drop-off at the tight end spot shouldn’t be too drastic (of course, they would be going from a Pro Bowler in Cooley to more of an afterthought in Davis).

But since even Cooley admits the Eagles are the team to beat in the NFC East, the Redskins had better hope he’s on the field Sunday -- or shortly thereafter.

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