BY RICH CAMPBELL
ASHBURN
--Washington Redskins secondary coach Jerry Gray yesterday eluded questions about his candidacy for the University of Mem-phis' vacant head coaching job in light of reports that his hiring is imminent.Gray spent Tuesday in Memphis interviewing, according to the Memphis Commercial Appeal. ESPN .com reported that Memphis has already chosen Gray for the job, citing an anonymous source.
The university is waiting until the team completes its season tomorrow to make an announcement. Gray would not say whether he has been offered the job.
In a cagey back-and-forth with reporters at Redskins Park yesterday, he tried to steer the conversation toward Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
"It's tough right now because we've got the Philadelphia Eagles this week, and you've got a whole bunch of other stuff going on and the distractions are around," he said. "The distractions are going to be there, but the thing you've got to do is still focus in a little bit harder."
Gray's desire to become a head coach is well-known. He was prominently mentioned as a possible interim candidate for the Redskins before the front office assured that Jim Zorn would finish the season.
"To me, I think, you know it's your time," he said. "There will be people trying to get you, so that's your time."
Gray, 46, helps oversee the NFL's top-ranked defense. He was a four-time Pro Bowler during his nine-year NFL career. This is his 13th season as an assistant coach. He was the Buffalo Bills' defensive coordinator from 2001-05.
Gray is connected to the Memphis program through Frederick Smith, a minority owner of the Redskins, the CEO of Memphis-based FedEx Corp., and one of the most influential boosters of the Memphis athletic program. Smith's son is a quarterback for the Tigers.
If Gray is hired, there's a strong chance he would leave the Redskins immediately because of the urgent need to recruit.
A few Redskins players and coaches yesterday contemplated moving forward without Gray while expressing their belief that he would make a successful head coach.
"You've got a guy that's more than a coach," cornerback Carlos Rogers said. "He's a great family man that can talk to you about more than just football. He just wants the best for each individual person."
"He's very knowledgeable about the game, and he's a leader," safeties coach Steve Jackson added. "He knows the game inside and out. He has been successful as a player, and he can relate to the players. I don't really see any weaknesses."
Zorn would not comment yesterday about whether he'd approve of Gray's departure in-season.
"Just like everyone else that has been here and moved on, we'll continue on," Jackson said. "We have a foundation and some beliefs about defensive football that we instill in the guys, and we'll continue to do that."
Gray was asked whether he is confident that he'll remain with the Redskins for the rest of the season.
"We'll see," he said.
Haynesworth, hall
Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth (ankle) and cornerback DeAngelo Hall (knee) did not practice yesterday, and it's uncertain whether they will play in Sunday's game against Phila-delphia.
Being without either player would be a significant detriment. Haynesworth's absence from last Sunday's game helped Dallas bully the Redskins up the middle and finish with 153 rushing yards. Hall has accounted for four of Washington's six interceptions.
Both Haynesworth and Hall attended practice but watched from the sideline. Haynesworth continues to work on the treadmill and is improving, Zorn said.
Regarding Hall, Zorn said: "We're still trying to get him some lateral movement, stability with his knee."
McNABB GAVE CAMPBELL
After Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell was benched in a Week 6 loss, he reached out to Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, one of his mentors, who just happens to be his counterpart this week.
McNabb's message was to remain confident and determined.
"What we discussed is just between the both of us, but no one wants to be benched when you're really just not the full problem," McNabb said yesterday in a teleconference.
"The focus for him has to be just one game at a time and not worry about what will happen at the end," he continued. "One thing that he can do is just continue to put good football play and great focus on film, and if a decision has to be made, make it hard on them."
this and that
Running back Marcus Mason will play on offense and special teams this Sunday, as he begins his third stint with the Redskins.
"I feel like this is the best opportunity that I will have, so I got to make a name for myself," Mason said. "I got to do something this weekend, and this is it. I feel like I've had nine lives and I'm on my eighth one."
Rock Cartwright will start at running back, and Quinton Ganther also will get carries, Zorn said.
OL Mike Williams (ankle) was limited in practice but expects to be active on Sunday. Edwin Williams expects to start at right guard.
Tight end Todd Yoder (foot) did not practice yesterday. Linebacker H.B. Blades (knee) and tackle Stephon Heyer (knee) were limited in practice.
The Redskins signed quarterback Richard Bartel from Jacksonville's practice squad to their active roster yesterday. They released quarterback Andre Woodson from the practice squad and signed fullback Jonathan Evans to the practice squad.
Rich Campbell: 540/735-1974
Email: rcampbell@freelancestar.com