SEATTLE—In the seconds after the Redskins defeated the Seahawks yesterday, television reporters swarmed around a Washington running back. That player was Shaun Alexander. Him and coach Jim Zorn were cheered by a Seattle crowd that acknowledged the role of each player in Seahawks history. Zorn was the day’s star, shaking hands in the hours before the game all the way up to the seconds before he boarded the team bus. His players recognized as much, allowing him to do the “hip, hip, hooray” cheer that echoes in the locker room after victories.

SEATTLE—After playing the first three series of the game, Carlos Rogers went over to DeAngelo Hall on the sideline. “You know, y’all can come in,“ Rogers said. “We need to start rotating.“ Hall, a former Virginia Tech star, and Fred Smoot did that, subbing for Rogers and Shawn Springs to keep the secondary fresh throughout a 20-17 victory.

SEATTLE—The only thing questionable about Clinton Portis is why he even bothers to practice. Washington’s star running back darted and pounded for 143 yards on 29 carries, including key ones late that helped preserve the Redskins’ first victory in almost a month, 20-17 over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. Portis was questionable to play after missing most of practice this week because of his sprained knee. Then the NFL’s leader in yards from scrimmage injured a muscle near his hip late in the first half, when he rushed for 69 of his yards. Yet he kept running, ending a two-game losing streak for Washington (7-4).

SEATTLE—The Washington Redskins (6-4) take on the Seattle Seahawks (2-8) today in Seattle, former home to Redskins coach Jim Zorn. For live updates from the game, read the Redskins Blog at www.mytimesdispatch.com/index.php/sports/category/Professional%20Football/.

When receiver Malcolm Kelly walks into the visitors locker room in Seattle tomorrow, he’ll know what his status is. If his jersey is hanging on his locker, he’s suiting up and playing for the first time in nine weeks. If it’s his workout clothes, Kelly (knee) will be a spectator.

Paul Woody and Michael Phillips talk about the Redskins and the NFL.

Washington Redskins rookie receiver Malcolm Kelly, who has battled a left knee injury nearly all season, finally may be ready to contribute in this Sunday’s NFL game in Seattle. The 6-4 receiver, a second-round pick out of Oklahoma, knew he was making progress when he was able to jump for passes. “That’s when I knew I was back to my old self, when I left my feet,“ he said. “That’s where I make plays—off the ground.“

Regardless of how many successes Randy Thomas had, this is how his Sunday will be remembered. Cowboys tackle Jay Ratliff lined up opposite him, pushed toward Jason Campbell, and sacked the quarterback for an 8-yard loss. On the next play, the Redskins missed a 46-yard field goal attempt. “You can have 10 good plays and one bad, and the bad one affects the game,“ the offensive lineman said. “We just can’t make that one mistake.“

Paul Woody and Michael Phillips talk about the Redskins and the NFL.

Halfway through the NFL season, the Redskins still haven’t had a week off, and it’s beginning to take its toll on the players. The team will finally get a breather after next Monday’s game against Pittsburgh. Coach Jim Zorn gave the injury report during his weekly press conference today, giving special attention to a handful of players.

ASHBURN - Vinny Cerrato will gather everybody within the Redskins’ organization into a conference room Jan. 15. They’ll discuss each player’s performance, medical history and workout stats, then build a plan for the team. Yesterday, Cerrato, the team’s executive vice president of football operations, said he wouldn’t know team’s direction for the offseason until that time.