PLAYER NOTES

--LB Marcus Washington (ankle) didn't practice on Wednesday and won't play on Sunday against the Ravens. It will be Washington's third straight absence and fifth this season.

--RB Clinton Portis (neck, ribs, knee) didn't practice on Wednesday and figures to be a game-time decision.

--CB Shawn Springs (calf) didn't practice on Wednesday and figures to be a game-time decision.

--MLB London Fletcher (foot) didn't practice on Wednesday and figures to be a game-time decision.

--DE Andre Carter (foot) didn't practice on Wednesday and figures to be a game-time decision.

--DT Kedric Golston (ankle) didn't practice on Wednesday and figures to be a game-time decision.

--DT Cornelius Griffin (shoulder) didn't practice on Wednesday but should play on Sunday.

--OT Chris Samuels (knee) didn't practice on Wednesday but is expected to start on Sunday.

--G Pete Kendall (knees) didn't practice on Wednesday but is expected to start on Sunday.

--G Randy Thomas didn't practice on Wednesday but is expected to start on Sunday.

GAME PLAN: Whether Clinton Portis, the NFL's No. 2 rusher, plays or capable backup Ladell Betts fills in for him, the Redskins would like to establish the run behind a veteran offensive line, which prefers that aspect of blocking. However, Baltimore has the No. 3 run defense so if the Redskins can get the Ravens blocked, they might well have to emphasize the pass since they might have more luck with Santana Moss, Chris Cooley and Antwaan Randle El working against a Baltimore secondary minus injured starters Chris McAlister and Dawan Landry. Complicating matters are inside linebackers Ray Lewis and Bart Scott, both fine tacklers. And Washington has to hold on to the ball. Baltimore has five defensive touchdowns.

The Redskins' defense focused on the run last week against the Giants and paid the price as Eli Manning picked them apart for 305 passing yards through three quarters, more than they had allowed in a previous full game. With a rookie quarterback and a mediocre running game, Baltimore doesn't present nearly as big a challenge for Washington's fifth-ranked defense. However, six of the Redskins' 11 defensive starters -- linemen Andre Carter, Kedric Golston and Cornelius Griffin, linebackers London Fletcher and Marcus Washington (definitely out) and cornerback Shawn Springs -- are hurting. Look for Redskins coordinator Greg Blache to try to force mistakes by quarterback Joe Flacco and the Ravens, who have 16 turnovers.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Redskins WRs Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El vs. Ravens CBs Samari Rolle and Fabian Washington -- Ace RB Clinton Portis had tough sledding of late against the Steelers, Cowboys and Giants. That puts pressure on WRs Moss and Randle El to make plays downfield to open up some running room. That didn't happen in the four November games (three losses) as neither Moss nor Randle El had a catch of even 25 yards. The Ravens have the No. 2 pass defense despite losing Chris McAlister and Dawan Landry to injuries by Week 6.

Redskins C Casey Rabach vs. Ravens NT Haloti Ngata: For the fifth time in 10 games, Rabach has to deal with a 3-4 defense which means having a big man right on his nose. And this big man, like Dallas' Jay Ratliff (twice), Cleveland's Shaun Rogers and Pittsburgh's Casey Hampton, is a good one. Ngata, who outweighs Rabach by a good 50 pounds, is versatile enough to have made 58 tackles along with two interceptions, as many as any cornerback has made for the Redskins.

INJURY IMPACT: If Fletcher can't play, H.B. Blades will shift from SLB to MLB and Alfred Fincher will make his first career start at SLB.

If Golston can't play, Anthony Montgomery will make a second straight start.

If Portis can't play, Ladell Betts will make his first start since 2006.

If Carter can't play, Jason Taylor will move back into the starting lineup.