Redskins QB Colt McCoy has time to prepare for Eagles

Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy was essentially thrown into the fire in his first start of the season against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving.

After relieving the injured Alex Smith against the Houston Texans, McCoy had only a few days to get ready for his debut, a 31-23 loss.

Now he'll have a full week plus an extra day Monday before the Redskins (6-5) visit the division rival Philadelphia Eagles next Monday night. During Monday's practice the Redskins worked on situational offense, two-minute drill and more.

"So, we got some quality work in with Colt [McCoy] calling the plays and running our base offense -- just a little refresher course, so to speak," coach Jay Gruden said.

McCoy was 24 of 38 for 268 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions in the loss to Dallas. He brought more of a downfield passing attack to the offense, but with more miscues.

The Redskins now find themselves looking up at Dallas in the NFC East and amidst a pack of teams competing for wildcard spots with five games remaining.

Gruden expects to see some improvement after McCoy gets a full week of practice.

"Yeah, hopefully a lot. Like I said before, he has not taken a rep with the ones. I don't even know if he took any in OTA's to be honest with you. I think we were trying to get Alex [Smith] ready to go and he took them all in OTA's and training camp," Gruden said.

"It's just good for him to get all the reps, to get the lion's share -- that is just something he's never had. I expect improvement, but still, it's not a lot of time to get ready, a week for a game, but I think he will. I think he feels pretty comfortable in what we're doing."

Gruden said he'll also have more time to insert plays that McCoy is comfortable with.

Gruden would also like to see some improvement in the running game. Washington ranks 13th in the NFL with 117.7 yards per game, but Adrian Peterson's totals for the last four games are 17, 68, 51 and 35 yards.

"I think everybody can improve a little bit and I've got to do a better job of probably sticking with it," Gruden said. "Maybe giving them more opportunities, we started out trying a couple of passes early. Had third down and one or a long two [against Dallas] and I probably should have run it there.

--RB Chris Thompson (ribs) took part in Monday's practice. "He took some reps today which was obviously encouraging and then we'll see how he does on Wednesday," Gruden said. "It's just a matter of how sore he is and how he can protect it."

--LT Trent Williams (bruised rib) practiced Monday.

--DE Matt Ioannidis (calf) was held out of practice Monday.

--CB Quinton Dunbar (shin) did not practice Monday.

--TE Jordan Reed (soreness) did not practice Monday. "Reed's just a little sore," Gruden said. "Got a little bruise."