WASHINGTON — Coach Jim Zorn said he was encouraged by how well Pro Bowl left tackle Chris Samuels got through practice Wednesday and expects him to start Monday against Pittsburgh despite his knee ailment, while star wide receiver Santana Moss sat out practice with a mild hamstring strain but is expected to play as well.

Zorn said he does not expect the problem to be "enough to hold out" Moss, whom he referred to as an indispensable cog in this offense right now.

Running back Clinton Portis, the league's leading rusher and the NFC offensive player of the month for October, again rested his sore hip and ankle, but he is slated to carry a heavy load again Monday.

The Redskins also rested safety LaRon Landry (hamstring) and cornerback Carlos Rogers (foot), but both have been playing regularly and are slated to start against the Steelers. Starting guard Pete Kendall rested his arthritic knees — as has been the case every Wednesday — though he continues to play every week.

Kick returner Rock Cartwright sat out with a minor knee strain, but he too is slated to play.

The Redskins know they will be without several players who missed practice: cornerback Shawn Springs (calf), defensive end Jason Taylor (calf), tailback Ladell Betts (knee) and wide receiver Malcolm Kelly (knee).