Santana Moss took part in individual drills during Wednesday's practice at Redskins Park, but sat out team work as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.
His status is questionable heading into Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Moss tested his hamstring injury by running routes and catching passes during individual drills.
Head coach Joe Gibbs was somewhat optimistic about Moss's status.
"Today was encouraging for Santana," head coach Joe Gibbs said. "He took quite a bit of work. He ran and took some of the work. We will just have to see how the week progresses, but today I think it was a good step up."
Before practice, Moss said he would be cautious as he works his way back into the lineup.
"I'm going to go out there and run around a little bit just to get the feel," Moss said. "But I'm not going to go out and run crazy. I want progress. I don't want anything to set me back."
Asked if he was optimistic about playing Sunday, Moss replied: "I'm taking it day to day. That's the goal. I'm not going to jump the gun. I'll take it as it comes."
Moss sustained the injury during the Oct. 22 game against the Indianapolis Colts. He was listed as questionable heading into last Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys, but he was ultimately held out. Antwaan Randle El started in his place.
Fellow wide receiver David Patten has missed the last two games due to a hamstring injury. He is listed as probable for Sunday's game against the Eagles.
Quarterback Mark Brunell was encouraged that Randle El, Brandon Lloyd and James Thrash stepped up in the 22-19 win over the Cowboys.
"It shows you that we have some depth, but also that we have some character," Brunell said. "If a guy goes down, the other guys have to elevate their play--and we did just that."
Meantime, backup tight end Christian Fauria sat out practice on Wednesday with an ankle injury. He is also listed as questionable on the team's injury report.
If Fauria cannot play, then third-stringer Todd Yoder would see action in his place. Yoder has mostly seen action on special teams since signing with the Redskins in mid-September.
Brunell and right tackle Jon Jansen sat out Wednesday's practice, but Gibbs said it was mostly to give them some rest. Jansen has been slowed by a sore calf, and he is listed as probable, but the injury is not considered serious.
