ASHBURN, Va., Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Washington Coach Steve Spurrier, trying to light a spark under his lethargic offense, has decided to bench Shane Matthews in favor of Danny Wuerffel when the Redskins (4-6) host the St. Louis Cardinals (5-5) on Sunday.
Matthews, a former NFC Offensive Player of the Week who has started seven games this season including the last four, is expected to be the team's third quarterback. He has completed less than 50 percent of his passes in each of the past three games.
"Danny's going to play," Spurrier said. "He deserves the chance to play. He had a good practice (Wednesday). He's our quarterback. When you have a group of quarterbacks and there's not much difference in how they play, you have to give them all a chance. Danny really has not had a chance this year."
"Things can change," Wuerffel said. "When you're losing games or winning games, it comes down to a real fine line. You never know what can make a difference. I just think coach wants to give us all an opportunity to play."
Wuerffel started in Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans, but injured his shoulder on the last play of the Redskins' first offensive drive and did not return. Rookie Patrick Ramsey relieved him and led Washington to a 31-14 victory.
"Wuerffel, who has a team-low 34.5 passer's rating, now believes his shoulder is healthy enough not to be an issue," Wuerffel said. "I'm as healthy as I can be. I feel good about it. I practiced last week and made most of my throws, so I'm excited. I'm going to proceed as though it's not an issue."
Ramsey, who started two games after the Titans victory, is slated to be the team's backup quarterback against the Rams. Spurrier had indicated Monday that both Wuerffel and Ramsey could see time in the Rams game, but decided on Wuerffel after Wednesday's practice.
"We have to try to do something to get some life in us," Spurrier said. "I don't know what it is, but we have to do something.
