1. Redskins coach Mike Shanahan is optimistic that left tackle Trent Williams and left guard Maurice Hurt will play vs. Chicago on Saturday. But Shanahan expressed pessimism about right guard Chris Chester.

“He looked better, but to say he could go right now would be premature,” Shanahan said. “I have a good feeling about Maurice and my gut is Trent will be able to go, but I can’t say that 100 percent right now.”

2. Shanahan said the starters would play about a half vs. the Bears. But he would not say who would start at running back. Roy Helu won’t play because of Achilles tendinitis in his left foot. Tim Hightower practiced Thursday, but won’t play leaving Evan Royster as the lone experienced back. Shanahan has said rookie Alfred Morris will play a lot along with Tristan Davis.

3. Hightower was upbeat after Thursday’s practice because it was the first “consistent practice where I could just go out and play…. I was so excited to be out there today.”

He said he’s not sure about playing vs. Indianapolis, but “if they let me do it I know I’ll be ready… Being out there today was a good first step to putting the past behind me.”

4. Linebacker Markus White fractured a rib and bruised his kidney and won’t play Saturday. There’s a chance he’ll return for the Aug. 25 game vs. Indianapolis. Linebacker London Fletcher did not practice because he wasn’t feeling well, Shanahan said.

5. The Redskins placed nose tackle Chris Neild on injured reserve. Neild suffered a season-ending ACL tear in practice earlier this week. The Redskins signed defensive lineman Marlon Favorite, who has spent time on five practice squads. He’s been signed by nine different teams, yet has never played in a game.

The Redskins also placed receiver Darius Hanks, who underwent major shoulder surgery, on injured reserve.

6. Redskins report email excerpt.

7. The KC1 Report.