Even when on the active roster for the first part of the season, Kearse was listed as inactive during games.

But after Stephen Paea went down with a season-ending injury in early December, Kearse was thrust into the defensive line rotation.

During the Redskins' four-game winning streak to end the regular season, Kearse appeared on 65 defensive plays in three games.

Sunday's performance against the Cowboys, in which Kearse played 31 snaps, gave him confidence heading into the playoffs.

Even if he only appears sporadically, Kearse believes he can make an impact.

"You know, I wanted to show the guys in the room I can rush too," Kearse said. "And show them everything that they've been teaching me. I've been soaking it up, just put the best Frank I can put on film and that was today was about man, be the best Frank that I can be."

Kearse added: "Any time you get a chance to come to work in the National Football League is a day to learn, and the day that you stop learning as a player is the day you're walking out the door. Either one of two things should happen: either they don't want you and you got too old, or your body just gave out. It's just a blessing being here and working with the older guys and learning from them."

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