The Facts: HC Mike Shanahan said Cooley "feels as good as he's felt for the last couple years" after speaking to him earlier Wednesday. "Chris Cooley right now is feeling great," Shanahan said. "The knee is feeling great. His weight is down. There's been no swelling, so hopefully he is full speed once we get started with our OTA days [in mid-May] and you know, he can stay injury-free."

Diehards Line:Cooley went on injured reserve on Oct. 25 after battling persistent swelling in his left knee -- a problem that kept him off the field through training camp and most of the preseason. He played in the first four regular-season games before breaking his left index finger against Philadelphia. It was the least productive season of Cooley's eight-year career. ... It's worth noting that Cooley is scheduled to make $3.8 million this fall after signing a $30 million contract extension in 2007, though with workout and signing bonuses added in, he'll account for a nearly $6.25 million hit against the salary cap. The Redskins also have Fred Davis, Logan Paulsen and Richard Quinn on the roster this spring, and Niles Paul has begun the transition from receiver to TE. Paul, at 6-foot-1, 224 pounds during the season, has gained 10 pounds since it ended, Shanahan said. "We just think he's a guy that has a chance to really help us at that position - give us some depth and obviously some big-play capabilities," Shanahan said. We'll suggest Paul's move doesn't bode well for Cooley.