ASHBURN, Va. -- When Vernon Davis didnt produce like his young self, he understood the questions.Everybody starts to worry, Davis said. Theyre like: Hey guys, we need to figure it out: Can Vernon still play?Quarterback Kirk Cousins wondered whats left in the tank for Davis when the Washington Redskin

ASHBURN, Va. -- When Vernon Davis didnt produce like his young self, he understood the questions.Everybody starts to worry, Davis said. Theyre like: Hey guys, we need to figure it out: Can Vernon still play?Quarterback Kirk Cousins wondered whats left in the tank for Davis when the Washington Redskins signed the veteran tight end after the San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos decided they didnt need him.Those fears evaporated at an informal offseason session at a local Washington-area high school in April.We were throwing, and I realized right away this guy can still play, Cousins said. Im still trying to figure out what the catch is or why two teams let him go.The catch is Davis is 32 years old and in his 11th NFL season, and he was limited to two touchdowns in 2014 and none last season. Back in his hometown, hes rejuvenated with 31 catches for 450 yards and two touchdowns through 11 games.I feel like the older I get, the better I get, said Davis, a D.C. native and star at Maryland. I feel like Im just starting, man. Im just getting started. I tell everyone the same thing: When I lose my speed, then Ill hang it up. But I still have my speed. I can still run. With that, I continue to play this game.Davis could be a big part of the Redskins game Sunday at the Arizona Cardinals as starting tight end Jordan Reeds status is in doubt with a sprained shoulder.Davis already shouldered the load when Reed missed two October games with a concussion, and he has the speed and big-play ability for Cousins to turn to him.Cousins said Davis could run the 40-yard dash like an elite wide receiver.Its just been a joy to play with him and have him on the team, Cousins said. And with the injuries that Jordans sustained, hes become even more valuable needing to step up and be a difference maker.Davis days as a difference maker arent that far gone. He had 52 catches, including 13 touchdowns, in 2013 for San Francisco.On Wednesday, he lamented mistakes made along the way and expressed gratitude for playing and winning a Super Bowl with Peyton Manning.Davis remained optimistic, but perhaps most importantly he maintained his chiseled physique -- which has receiver Pierre Garcon thinking: When you get older, you definitely want to look like that.Offensive coordinator Sean McVay said Davis is a guy that takes care of his body, and I think we felt very comfortable that if he was put in this situation that there would be a chance for him to have success.And hes definitely done a great job. Hes exceeded a lot of expectations.Beyond the passing game, coach Jay Gruden sees Davis influence on the run, too.I think thats where he has helped the most, Gruden said. These 4.6 yards a carry that I think we are averaging right now, a lot of it is because of our tight end -- blocking in the core, cut off on the backside or what have you -- and hes a big part of that.Blocking is one of Davis skills, but Garcon is quick to point out that hes a receiving tight end. Davis definitely feels like that again and is glad the Redskins took a chance on him.Im always expecting the best and preparing for the worst, Davis said. I wouldnt trade it for anything in the world, because being back home where I was born and raised, getting an opportunity to play in front of friends and family, cant trade that. It doesnt happen like that often.NOTE: Reed and DL Anthony Lanier (shin) did not practice Thursday for a second consecutive day. ... Cousins was chosen as the NFC offensive player of the month for November after completing 72.4 percent of his passes for 1,086 yards and eight touchdowns with no interceptions. 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He became an animal-rights-defending vegan environmentalist. Now, in the latest twist in his improbable career path, Georges Laraque is a politician. The former NHL tough guy confirmed Tuesday that he will vie for a seat soon in the House of Commons. He announced his plans to campaign for a Montreal seat in a byelection. At a news conference with Green Party Leader Elizabeth May in Montreal, he said he will begin campaigning immediately for the eventual byelection in Bourassa riding. That Montreal riding faces a byelection at some point over the coming months because its longtime MP, Liberal Denis Coderre, is leaving to run for mayor. "While we do not know the election date yet, I want to start campaigning now," Laraque said in a statement. "We have a lot of work ahead of us and I want to take advantage of the summer to meet you and listen to your concerns. Ill be in Bourassa all summer, and you can already get in touch with me now." 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