Allen Rossum has missed the last two games with a strained posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Cornerback DeAngelo Hall and receiver Brian Finneran have combined to take Rossum's place on punt returns. Justin Griffith has taken his place on punt returns, and Justin Griffith has served as the primary kickoff returner.
"I've talked to some guys like Alge (Crumpler) who have been through the same kind of injury, and they say it can be pretty tricky," Rossum said Thursday. "I'm hoping another week off the field will help and the trainers will let me play."
Rossum, who battled a hamstring injury that sidelined him for a Week 2 loss at Seattle and a Week 3 victory at Buffalo, was injured as he returned the opening kickoff 47 yards in the 24-6 loss at Carolina. The knee sprain occurred just as Rossum seemed close to finding the comfort zone that helped him a spot last season as an alternate Pro Bowl selection in 2004.