"Chris Cooley's stall inside the Redskins Park locker room is located along the far wall near the back left corner. That's where it was last season, and it's where he expects it to be in 2012 and beyond.

The veteran tight end set aside his crutches Thursday afternoon, stepped on the podium and vowed to overcome his ongoing left knee problems by next season.

"Every part of me absolutely believes that not only will I continue to play for the Washington Redskins, but I'll continue to be an outstanding player at the position I play," he said. "I have so much confidence in my ability to play tight end at a very high level, especially if I'm healthy.""