The lengthy injury report for the Washington Redskins may very well work out in their favor this season.

With 2009 all but over in terms of meaningful games, the Redskins should be giving the younger players more playing time to evaluate whether they can be, as Joe Gibbs put it, "Core Redskins."

Jim Zorn has shown a reluctance in the past when it comes to playing youngsters. Last year, G Chad Rinehart was inactive for all 16 games while fellow mid-round draft pick CB Justin Tryon saw very limited action in 14 games.

Marcus Mason, despite multiple strong preseason performances, has yet to see more than a handful of carries at RB. This year's seventh rounder, Marko Mitchell is undergoing the same experience at WR.

Ditto for rookies Kevin Barnes (CB) and Jeremy Jarmon (DE). Barnes has yet to dress and while Jarmon has for every game, he has seen very little playing time.

Now with the injuries piling up at an alarming rate, Zorn will have little choice but to see what kind of hand he's been dealt in regards to his inexperienced players. And that's a good thing.

It appears Deangelo Hall will miss Sunday's game against Philly, leaving the possibility for Barnes to dress. Tryon has already seen increased action in light of Carlos Rogers' fall from grace, and has been solid.

Rogers has a penchant for giving up the big play, meaning both young corners could get an opportunity to play a ton. Barnes certainly looked like a physical corner in college, and getting him time this year to adapt to the pro game would go a long way to seeing if his physicality translates to the NFL.

Plus, Rogers could very well be on his way out given that his contract ends after this year, making it even more important the 'Skins evaluate what's behind him.

Looking to the trenches, the Redskins don't have to be as aggressive. Jarmon had one good game earlier this season against the Bucs, but his role hasn't been developed yet. That isn't too much of a concern because Jarmon came to the team late via the supplemental draft, and had quite a bit of catching up to do.

The 'Skins also have some depth at defensive end with Phillip Daniels, Andre Carter, Brian Orakpo and Chris Wilson, making it difficult for Jarmon to crack into the lineup. And yet Daniels is close to retirement and Jarmon has the makings of a good rush end. So why not get Jarmon more reps?

Focusing across the ball, Rinehart played well (I thought) in three starts this year before going down with a season-ending injury. Undrafted rookie Edwin Williams will most likely start this week at guard while another youngster, Will Montgomery, will gets reps along the interior as well.

Despite the fact that the youth movement isn't voluntary for the offensive line, it's happening. That's a positive.

Mitchell and Mason are the real question marks. Both have shown effort and the ability to produce everytime they have been given a chance. Mason runs with a purpose and has great vision. Mitchell is a big, fast target who isn't afraid to get chippy (we saw that in training camp this year).

However, Zorn has dressed Mitchell just four times and cut Mason twice in two years. Mitchell had two grabs in a quarter of action against Atlanta several weeks ago while Mason was just resigned due to Ladell Betts' injury.

Mason is expected to receive a larger role with Betts and Clinton Portis out. Hopefully he'll have a few games where he can approach double digit carries.

Good things have generally happened when Mason gets the ball. He has an uncanny ability to get to the first down marker and finishes every run. The 'Skins best game this season was when they pounded the ball against Denver and, if given the opportunity, Mason can contribute to that run-first system.

Meanwhile, receiver production this season has been very lackluster and still Zorn has kept Mitchell out. I mean I know Vinny Cerrato is desperately trying to prove that either Malcolm Kelly or Devin Thomas will pan out, but there is no reason why Mitchell is behind Kelly.

Thomas has certainly come along, and appears to be a an option for next year. Still, he isn't the rangy possession receiver the 'Skins badly need.

Kelly has the size, but runs poor routes and fails to get separation from his defender. Mitchell also has the physical attributes of a possession receiver and unlike Kelly he makes the most of them. To me, it's a no-brainer: the Redskins must give Mitchell more reps.

Zorn and defensive coordinator Greg Blache have made it clear they prefer veterans, but considering the lack of success they have experienced with them, there's no reason they shouldn't turn a lost season over to the future.

The Redskins are stuck in transitional period. It's difficult to let go of beloved veterans, but there comes a time when an organization has to move on. Fresh blood can change the losing mentality in Washington. New faces bring new opportunities, and the Redskins need both.

---JACK ANDERSON.