Redskins sign TE Cooley, who could play Week 8
Tight end Chris Cooley passed his physical and re-signed with the Washington Redskins on Monday.
Cooley's addition comes in the wake of the Redskins losing starter Fred Davis to a season-ending torn left Achilles tendon during their loss to the New York Giants on Sunday.
Washington released Cooley on Aug. 28, but left open the possibility of re-signing him. He is the team's all-time leader in catches by a tight end with 428.
"I called Chris when we landed (Sunday)," Shanahan said. "I asked him what type of shape he was in. He said he was in pretty good shape. I asked him if he would like to come back. He said he did.
We're excited to have him. I trust Chris. If he says he's in good shape, he's in good shape. Hopefully he can help us this next week."
Cooley played for the Redskins for eight seasons before he was cut. He played in just five games last season while batting a variety of injuries and finished with eight catches.
Logan Paulsen and former wide receiver Niles Paul also figure into the tight end mix.
"We'll take a look at our personnel groups. We'll have the flexibility on offense," Shanahan said. "You kind of play whatever personnel group that you want.
"Offensively, the easy part is that you can adjust your personnel to who's healthy. The problem with defense is if you lose too many people, too many corners or safeties, they may come out in a four or five-wide receiver set. We do have that flexibility and we're going to do what we feel gives us the best chance to win."
Davis leads the Redskins in receptions (24) and receiving yards (325) this season.
"Any time you lose a guy like Fred, it's always tough," Shanahan said. "Fred had a heck of an offseason. I was really pleased with how he handled the OTAs and summer camp. He was having a heck of a year.
"Fred is really disappointed. He was excited about himself, his play, and we were excited about him. Like all injuries, guys have to step up and play at a high level."
--Wide receiver Pierre Garcon will have his foot reevaluated this week after not taking part in practice last week in an attempt to rest the injury.
--Linebacker London Fletcher has a "slight" hamstring injury, Shanahan said. "You don't know with those hamstrings until someone starts working out," Shanahan said. "He's getting treatment. We'll find out more on Wednesday."
