ASHBURN, Va. -- Washington cornerback Phillip Buchanon was back on the field Tuesday, having served his four-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances.
Buchanon went through the light practice before the players took off for a five-day bye-week break.
The 10-year veteran wasn't allowed to have any contact with the team during his suspension.
"It was different for me," said Buchanon, who declined to say which substance caused him to be suspended. "Honest mistake. Things happen, so I just put it in God's hands, and I look forward to trying to make plays."
The Redskins will need to cut a player from the 53-man roster to make room for Buchanon. Coach Mike Shanahan said he will make that move later in the week, with Buchanon perhaps playing against the Philadelphia Eagles after the bye.
"He's going to help us right away," Shanahan said. "I've got to check out here in the next couple of weeks what type of shape he's in, and hopefully he can help us against Philly."
Buchanon, in his second year with the Redskins, is expected to contribute on the nickel packages.
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press