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By Tony Moss, NFL Editor

(Sports Network) - Gregg Williams will face the team that passed him up as head coach on Thursday night, when the Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator and his new club visit the Washington Redskins in the final preseason tune-up for each squad.

When Joe Gibbs retired for the second time days after the completion of the Redskins' 2007 season, it was widely believed that Williams, who had been well-regarded (and highly paid) as the team's defensive coordinator from 2004 through 2007, was the front-runner for Gibbs' old job.

But Washington team owner Daniel Snyder not only didn't hire Williams as head coach, but cut him loose completely, hiring Jim Zorn as head coach and promoting Greg Blache to Williams' former position.

Williams would re-surface with the Jaguars, who had a need for a defensive coordinator after Mike Smith left to take the head coaching job of the Atlanta Falcons.

The Jags defense has looked generally strong in the preseason, failing to yield as many as 20 points in three contests. Williams' former unit, meanwhile, helped preside over a 47-3 loss to the Carolina Panthers in its most recent preseason outing.

Not that Jacksonville is without its problems.

First-round Draft pick and defensive end Derrick Harvey remained embroiled in a contract holdout with the team as of Tuesday, and though he reportedly was close to a deal on Wednesday, his status as a contributing part of the 2008 Jacksonville defense has taken a hit with his extended absence.

On offense, important offseason acquisition and wideout Jerry Porter (hamstring) hasn't appeared in the preseason and is unlikely to be ready by Week 1 of the regular season.

On the injury front for Washington, defensive end Jason Taylor will not play this week after injuring his right knee against the Panthers, but the perennial Pro Bowler said earlier this week that he would be ready for the opener. Free safety LaRon Landry (hamstring) is also unlikely to suit up for the Skins.

The Redskins will kick off their season with a Thursday night date at the defending Super Bowl Champion Giants next week, while the Jaguars open their 2008 campaign at division rival Tennessee on Sept. 7.

The Jaguars have a 2-0 lead in their all-time preseason series with the Redskins, including a 31-14 home win prior to last season.