Hunter not the punter, Horton injures knee

November 6, 9:39 AMWashington Redskins ExaminerMark Newgent

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Hunter Smith inactive against Falcons
(AP Photo)

Punter Hunter Smith aggravated his groin injury and is inactive for Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. Smith returned from the initial injury to punt against the Eagles, but reinjured his groin in practice. Coach Jim Zorn said the Redskins would sign Sam Paulescu to handle punting duties. Zorn indicated he did not want to place Smith on injured reserve just yet. “He’s healing up, I don’t want to put him down right now,” Zorn said. “It’s very frustrating…it's getting to that point where I've got to make a decision, and yet, I still want to give him another week and see if things get strong. He's trying to push as strong as he can."

The Redskins will have to cut one player from the active roster to make room for Paulescu. Zorn said that recently signed running back Quinton Ganther “may be the guy I have to put down.” Paulescu has two years league experience. He spent 2007 with the Denver Broncos and 2008 with the Dallas Cowboys. Paulescu had a 35.2 net punting average with the Cowboys.

Zorn also indicated linebacker HB Blades and cornerback Byron Westbrook might not be ready to return from their injuries in time for the Falcons.

Safety Chris Horton injured his knee in Thursday’s practice, but Zorn seemed to think that it is not serious, “I hope he’ll be fine, I hope he practices tomorrow.”