ASHBURN, Va. (CBSDC) – The Washington Redskins held their first practice of the week as they prepare for the Carolina Panthers on Sunday and had one safety back on the field.

Brandon Meriweather (knee) was limited in practice, but with the bye week following this week’s game, Redskins Head Coach Mike Shanahan said it would be a “long shot” if Meriweather played.  Pierre Garçon (toe) didn’t practice and likely won’t until after the bye week.  Perry Riley (hamstring) was limited, everyone else fully practiced.

Shanahan said the team hasn’t heard from the league, whose offices have been closed due to Hurricane Sandy, regarding DeAngelo Hall and believes he will play this week and not be suspended for his ejection last Sunday.

Shanahan does know how big this game is before going into a bye week.

“Our backs are against the wall right now,”  Shanahan said.  “The only way we’re going to enjoy the (bye week) is if we win.”

“There is a sense of urgency,”  Robert Griffin III said.  “We’ve got to go out and get a win.”

Griffin was also asked about any comparisons with Cam Newton.

“I’d rather be compared to Aaron Rodgers,”  Griffin III said.  “Because he has won Super Bowls.”

Listen here to what Mike Shanahan & Robert Griffin III had to say following practice today.

Mike Shanahan Practice Audio

Robert Griffin III Practice Audio

Also click here if you missed what Ryan Kerrigan, London Fletcher, Santana Moss, Brandon Meriweather, Josh Morgan, Darrel Young, Josh Wilson, Leonard Hankerson, Kedric Golston, Logan Paulsen, Alfred Morris, Stephen Bowen & Chris Chester had to say during open locker room this morning.