--Reserve defensive tackle Lorenzo Alexander was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday, three days after injuring his right hamstring while trying to cover Eagles running back Brian Westbrook. Missing the finale is especially painful for Alexander, an Oakland native who played at California and has bought 40 tickets for the game.
"Of course, I want to play there, but we play in Oakland next year so hopefully I'll still be here then," said Alexander, whose roster spot was filled by linebacker Tyson Smith.
--Only Kansas City (nine), Cincinnati (16) and Cleveland (17) have fewer sacks than Washington's 23, but that's still four above the franchise-low recorded in 2006. No team leader has had fewer than five since sacks became an official statistic in 1982. Jason Taylor and Demetric Evans currently lead with 3.5 each, half a sack more than former 49er Andre Carter has managed.
--Unlike Alexander, defensive end Andre Carter will get his first chance to play at home since leaving San Francisco for Washington in 2006. Carter played his high school ball in San Jose and starred at Cal before being the 49ers' top pick in the 2001 draft.
"I have a lot of memories," Carter said. "It was great to be a part of the last draft class of Bill Walsh and to be the 2002 NFC West champs. I just want to go out there and win. A few old teammates are still there, but the majority of the guys there now are new. Some of the coaches I know are still there, but for the most part it's a whole new organization."
BY THE NUMBERS: 5 -- Players who have started all 32 games, including the 2007 wild-card loss, during Washington's last two seasons: running back Clinton Portis, guard Pete Kendall, tight end Chris Cooley, linebacker London Fletcher and safety LaRon Landry.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I always planned on being back." -- Jim Zorn reacting to the news that front-office boss Vinny Cerrato said he would return for a second year as Washington's coach in 2009.
