Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan has hailed the toughness of nose tackle Barry Cofield after he suffered an injury during his side's 24-13 pre-season win over the Pittsburgh Steelers last night.

Cofield suffered a fractured right hand during the match and is likely to miss the Redskins' remaining two pre-season matches.

However, the 29-year-old hopes to be ready to play in the opening match of the regular season after being told that the injury will not require surgery, and Shanahan believes that Cofield is tough enough to play through the pain if required.

"Most guys would be in the hospital in intensive care," Shanahan told reporters after the match.

"But he's able to talk to you guys so it gives you an idea of how tough he is. He'll be able to play through it."

The Redskins have won both of their pre-season games so far and will take on the Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers before starting the regular season against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 9.