Paul Richardson hit the practice field for the Redskins on Wednesday, offering some renewed hope for Washington's offense on Sunday.

Without Richardson and Jamison Crowder in the lineup against the Cowboys, the Redskins passing attack got increasingly stagnant as the game went on. While it's highly unlikely Crowder plays Sunday - he was not seen on the practice field Wednesday - getting Richardson back would be good news. Even with missing a game, Richardson ranks as the second leading receiver for the Redskins.

Chris Thompson also took to the practice field on Wednesday, which is good. Don't get too excited, however, as Thompson participated in portions of practice last week before missing the game. The running back does appear closer to rejoining the team.

"I was able to get a couple team reps in today and as long as I keep feeling good throughout the week I plan on playing," Thompson said in the locker room after practice. " I can say last week I wasn't as comfortable as I am this week."

While the news with Richardson and Thompson is positive, the vibe is different with cornerback Quinton Dunbar.

He was a late addition to the injury report last week, and as the team works to figure out the injury, it's become clear that Dunbar is dealing with an injury to the nerve in his shin. Now, Dunbar has explained that the nerve causes a lot of pain, and at times just cuts out on him. Redskins head coach Jay Gruden said the plan is to try and get Dunbar running tomorrow to test out the leg.

Without Dunbar, the Redskins are forced to rely on rookies in Greg Stroman and Danny Johnson, and keep in mind, Johnson is playing with a fractured arm.

Other notes:

Shawn Lauvao did not take part in practice on Wednesday, but was seen working on side fields with trainers.

Zach Brown was not at practice, and Gruden said he missed the session with an illness.

Adrian Peterson didn't practice on Wednesday, and Gruden explained that the veteran running back won't practice on Wednesday's the rest of the season.

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