[MTK]

Washington Redskins Coach Joe Gibbs said he is encouraged by the progress quarterback Mark Brunell has made since spraining his right knee last Saturday, and believes Brunell could return for Sunday's game at Philadelphia, one in which a victory would ensure Washington's first playoff berth since 1999. Brunell likely will be held out of practice early in the week, but could still play Sunday, Gibbs said, with backup Patrick Ramsey the alternative.