Fischer

On Saturday, Fischer will not only be suited up. He just might start.

"I'm trying to stay calm," the second-year center said. "I'm an excitable guy. Sometimes my heart really starts going, I start sweating. Eventually, I calm myself down. What's important now is just getting ready."

With Cory Raymer nursing a pulled rib muscle, Fischer is taking snaps with the first string as the Redskins prepare for their NFC divisional playoff game at Tampa Bay. Two other backups are also filling in for injured starters: left tackle Kipp Vickers for Andy Heck and running back Skip Hicks for Stephen Davis.

But at least Vickers and Hicks have started games in the past. Fischer has never played even a single down at center in his two NFL seasons. As he spoke Tuesday -- a rare interview given his marginal role on the team -- he gave his unique perspective of the view from the bottom of the roster.

"You really don't feel like you're part of the team," Fischer said. "You're just along for the ride. You feel like you're on the practice squad. After the Thursday practice, you realize that you're probably not going to be active."

Every week, each team must declare seven players inactive and out of uniform for the upcoming game. Fischer has been on that list 14 of 17 times this season.

"There's a thousand guys out there who could do what I do -- practice," Fischer said. "All you do is read a card and go do it. Anybody can do that. It's been rough. You're waiting, you think you might be dressed. If you're dressed, you are one play away from being in. If you're not, you just kind of shut it down."

Fischer's last game action came in the final exhibition game Sept. 3, also against Tampa Bay. Asked to describe how he plays, Fischer had to pause.

"I kind of forget what I play like," he said. "My style? I think I play smart. I don't think I make a lot of mental mistakes. I'm not going to overpower anybody."

Fischer was a fifth-round draft pick from Purdue in 1998, but spent most of his rookie season sidelined with a broken leg. He got into six games on special teams late in the season. His only offensive snap came as a blocking tight end against Carolina.

"I didn't touch a soul, I don't think," Fischer said.

Fischer said none of this with any bitterness. He basically sounded like a guy on hold.

"Eventually, I know I'm going to get a shot. If not this week, somewhere down the road," he said. "If I was backing up somebody that stunk, I think I'd be upset. Cory's a solid center. Honestly, he's probably a better center that I am right now."

Speaking of Raymer, he has been upgraded to questionable, but he wasn't able to practice Tuesday. He has the type of injury that's tough for a lineman to handle because he can't turn his torso without pain.

"As long as I don't have to run or hit somebody, I'll be all right," Raymer said. "We got a couple more days here to get some rest, get it all figured out in the training room and then we'll be all good to go."

Asked if he was confident he would play, Raymer said: "We'll give her a shot."

Davis' chances are more remote. He's still listed as doubtful with a sore ankle and a sprained knee. Heck has already been ruled out with a torn hamstring.

"With Stephen Davis, it'll be a Saturday decision," coach Norv Turner said. "Cory Raymer, we haven't seen him practice yet. But if he practices (Wednesday) and Thursday, then that'll be a Friday situation whether he can or can't."

Although Vickers started seven games, including one in the playoffs, for the Colts in the 1995 and 1996 seasons, he has been a backup and special teamer since joining the Redskins late last season. He played in 11 of 16 regular-season games this season, mostly in short-yardage situations and on special teams.

Now he'll be responsible for protecting quarterback Brad Johnson's blind side.