THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, August 12, 1995 TAG: 9508120188
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JIM DUCIBELLA, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: KNOXVILLE, TENN. LENGTH: Medium: 61 lines
Has quarterback Heath Shuler saved his best for home?
Washington Redskins coach Norv Turner said after Friday's workout against Houston that, since returning here on Wednesday, Shuler, the former Tennessee star, has had his two finest pro practices.
``He practiced that way five days in a row about 10 days ago,'' said Turner. ``But when you consider going against another team, the changes and different looks you're going to see, it's closer to a game situation; yeah, those have been his best practices.''
Shuler was 11 for 20 last week against Kansas City, with no touchdowns and two turnovers, a fumble and an interception. That's what Turner wants him to eliminate.
``If he had the same numbers in terms of completions, attempts and yardage, and didn't have two turnovers, then I'd think we'd all feel that we've made progress,'' he said.
About 65,000 are expected at Neyland Stadium for what's been billed as Heath's Homecoming. Someone joked that Turner could really foul things up by yanking Shuler after one series.
``I came up here in May for the press conference, I mentioned that we might start (Gus) Frerotte,'' Turner joked. ``They didn't even laugh. Trust me, Heath will get his snaps.''
PLAYING TIME: Turner says his regulars will play the first half Saturday against the Oilers. Last week against Kansas City, the first team played about 25 plays.
``I like playing a whole half the second game,'' Turner said. ``I would like to get into some two-minute situations.''
Turner praised running back Reggie Brooks' practice habits since recovering from a pulled hamstring. Brooks, two years ago a 1,000-yard rusher now attempting to stave off challenges from veteran Terry Allen, Tyronne Rush and others, will see time in the second quarter.
That Brooks would get in so early is an indication that Turner hasn't decided on his starting backfield.
That's one of several spots in which the competition is still open, Turner argued. Defensive line, tight end, and wide receiver, until Michael Westbrook signs, are the others.
Asked if he'd already planned for next week's cut to 60, Turner shook his head.
``I haven't even thought about it,'' he said. ``Neither has anyone else. I walked into the locker room the other day and asked how many players weren't planning on being with us when we play Arizona on Sept. 3. No one raised his hand. You go until you have to make those decisions, then you make them.''
THIS N' THAT: The New Orleans Saints are close to signing kicker Chip Lohmiller, who the Redskins waived on Tuesday. ... Ex-Redskins running back Brian Satterfield, Rush's teammate at North Alabama, is now the backup fullback with the Green Bay Packers. ... Receivers Leslie Shepherd and Henry Ellard probably won't play tonight. Shepherd took a hard shot in the ribs from Oilers safety Chris Dishman and watched Friday's practice from under a shade tree. Ellard is nursing a minor hamstring pull. by CNB