by Sports Xchange

"I feel great," Samuels said. "I've got to get re-evaluated in probably 2 1/2 months. Once I get re-evaluated, we'll see if I can play again."

--Linebacker H.B. Blades is a warrior. The Redskins' leader in special teams tackles didn't miss a game after having a knee 'scoped on Oct. 27. The intervening bye week helped, but coach Jim Zorn used the word "amazing" when asked about Blades' rapid return.

Blades didn't need a painkilling shot or a brace. The only addition to his usual gear was a protective sleeve on the knee.

"I felt good enough to play," said Blades, who delivered a serious shot to Atlanta's Michael Jenkins on defense and made a touchdown-saving tackle on Eric Weems in kickoff coverage. "It sucks being injured and not being able to help the team, so I made an effort to get back as soon as possible."

--Marko Mitchell was one of the stars of training camp, but the seventh-round pick from Nevada didn't catch a pass in the first two regular-season games and was inactive since until Sunday.

Filling in for injured gunner Byron Westbrook on special teams, Mitchell also caught his first two NFL passes. Each was good for 11 yards and a first down.

"The first one (which led to Ladell Betts' 1-yard touchdown that cut the deficit to 24-10 midway through the third quarter), I was like, 'OK. Make sure I catch and secure the ball,'" Mitchell said. "I didn't keep it. I'm waiting for my first touchdown."