ASHBURN, Va. — Washington Redskins defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin's sprained right shoulder will keep him out of Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions.

Griffin has been playing hurt since injuring the shoulder Oct. 5 against Philadelphia. Coach Jim Zorn said it was time to let Griffin heal.

"I'm going to hold him out," Zorn said. "I just want to give him a real rest."

Third-year lineman Anthony Montgomery will likely start in Griffin's place.

Cornerback Shawn Springs is expected to sit out for the second straight week — and for the third time in four games — with a strained left calf. Fred Smoot would start again opposite Carlos Rogers.

Several players who did not practice Thursday are expected to play, including defensive end Jason Taylor (calf), safety Chris Horton (ankle), Smoot (groin) and Rogers (calf). Running back Clinton Portis was limited with a nagging hip flexor and general soreness, but he's also expected to suit up.

Zorn announced he is giving an extended rest to rookie receiver Malcolm Kelly, whose season-long battle with a sore knee has limited him to two games and just one catch for 6 yards. If the knee, which will eventually require surgery, doesn't respond by the time the Redskins resume play following their Nov. 9 bye, then Kelly will be placed on injured reserve.

"We're going to give him one more opportunity," Zorn said. "We're going to rest him through the bye week and see if his knee will hold up."

The Kelly dilemma offered a window into Zorn's advance planning: He's already thinking about postseason contingencies.

"If we had him towards the end of the season and into the playoffs, that gives us a lot more flexibility," the coach said.