Look for the Redskins to rotate veterans Albert Haynesworth, Phillip Daniels and Vonnie Holliday frequently with their starting defensive line. Lorenzo Alexander (run downs) and Chris Wilson (passing downs) could see some time at outside linebacker. Phillip Buchanon is the nickel corner with reserve safety Chris Horton likely in dime packages.

On offense, backup tight end Fred Davis might see as much action as a typical No. 3 receiver, especially since the top candidate for that role, Anthony Armstrong, has yet to take a regular season snap. Larry Johnson could get some carries behind starting running back Clinton Portis, especially in short yardage and goal line situations, but Portis will likely be the regular in all other situations, including third downs.

PLAYER NOTES

--OLB Andre Carter was limited in practice on Thursday with an illness but is expected to start on Sunday against Dallas.

--ILB Perry Riley was limited in practice on Thursday after being out since injuring his right foot on Aug. 27 against the New York Jets.

--FS Kareem Moore remained sidelined after having his right knee scoped on Aug. 23.

--C Casey Rabach will join WR Santana Moss and TE Chris Cooley as the only players on the offense to start six straight openers for Washington.

--CB Carlos Rogers will join DE Andre Carter as the only players on the defense to start five straight openers for Washington.

GAME PLAN
The Redskins, 4-12 last season, aren't nearly as talented as the Cowboys, who were 11-5 including 7-6 and 17-0 victories over Washington. However, the underdogs do have the element of surprise in their favor since they will unveil their West Coast offense and 3-4 defense for real for the first time on Sunday.

Look for the Redskins to give rookie left tackle Trent Williams help from guard Derrick Dockery, running back Clinton Portis and/or a tight end in blocking Cowboys outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware in passing situations. If Cowboys cornerback Terence Newman locks down on Redskins top wideout Santana Moss, quarterback Donovan McNabb will look to tight ends Chris Cooley and Fred Davis to get open against Dallas' less accomplished safeties.

On defense, expect the Redskins to throw a myriad of looks at the Cowboys, especially since backups Montrae Holland and Alex Barron will likely be starting at left guard and right tackle, respectively. What's more, Cowboys left tackle Doug Free is relatively inexperienced so look for outside linebackers Brian Orakpo and Andre Carter and maybe cornerback DeAngelo Hall and safeties LaRon Landry and Reed Doughty to be frequent blitzers.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH
Redskins LT Trent Williams vs. Cowboys OLB DeMarcus Ware -- Williams was a standout at Oklahoma, but the fourth pick in April's draft is making his regular season debut. What's more, Williams lost his battle with a similar speedy pass rusher, Baltimore's Terrell Suggs, in preseason. Ware had a sack in six straight games against Washington from 2006-08 before being blanked in 2009. Ware has sacked McNabb 7.5 times in 10 meetings (including playoffs).

--Redskins NT Maake Kemoeatu vs. Cowboys C Andre Gurode -- Kemoeatu is returning from a year's absence (with Carolina) due to a torn Achilles' tendon and he's playing the nose for the first time since 2005. Gurode has been anchoring Dallas' offensive line since 2002 (except for 2005 when he was a backup) and has made four straight Pro Bowls. Kemoeatu is heavier, but Gurode is quicker. Albert Haynesworth will frequently spell Kemoeatu.

INJURY IMPACT
With FS Kareem Moore (right knee) out, Reed Doughty, who's more of a natural strong safety, will start next to SS LaRon Landry. Doughty is a solid, reliable player but less of a centerfielder than Moore.

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