National Football League

1 week left for Redskins' WR Kelly to make roster

Published Aug. 29, 2010 10:01 p.m. ET

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Malcolm Kelly figured he'd be getting a good head start when he flew to Arizona to work out with Donovan McNabb and other receivers the week before the Washington Redskins opened training camp.

It turned out to be a trip that could cost Kelly his spot on the team.

After two long flights - from his native Texas to D.C., then on to Arizona - Kelly didn't stretch enough and pulled his left hamstring at McNabb's workout. Kelly was able to practice only one day during the entire three weeks of camp, and only now is he physically ready to return to the field - with only a few days remaining before the final roster is set.

''I'm real eager to get out there,'' Kelly said. ''And see how it holds up and get my hands on a few footballs.''

Kelly participated in Sunday's light practice, but the real test comes when he returns for Monday's full workout. If all goes well, he'll have Thursday's preseason finale against the Arizona Cardinals to show a new coaching regime that he shouldn't be among the final cuts two days later.

''Go out there and get a few grabs, more than anything show them that you know the play book,'' Kelly said. ''That's the thing they want to see - if you've been studying. 'Has my head still been in the game?' That's the biggest thing. I know when the ball comes to me, I'll catch the ball, but it's about being in the right place at the right time and giving the offense a chance to be successful.''

Kelly was a prized draft pick just two years ago, chosen in the second round along with fellow receiver Devin Thomas. Neither player has produced as hoped, but Kelly's rookie season was a wash because of knee and ankle injuries. Last year he played in all 16 games, making nine starts and catching 25 passes for a sputtering offense.

This year, his ailing hamstring has caused him to lose ground among a group of receivers that includes Santana Moss, Joey Galloway, Roydell Williams and up-and-comers Anthony Armstrong and Brandon Banks.

Kelly knows there are those who wonder if he was a wasted draft pick.

''I really could care less about, well, 'We made a mistake, we made a mistake.' I'm here now, so I really could care less about that,'' Kelly said.

But will he stay? Coach Mike Shanahan was asked if one week is enough time for Kelly to make a case.

''Hopefully it is,'' Shanahan said. ''Because that's what we've got left.''

Kelly figures the coaching staff has already made up its mind whether to keep him, but he said he doesn't have a good read on where he stands. One thing for sure: He's learned his lesson about stretching before a workout.

''When I feel like I've stretched, I need to stretch that much more after that,'' he said. ''Just to get everything flowing.''

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