The sun took a day off at Redskins Park on Wednesday, but the players did not as they slogged through a full morning practice in the rain.
Ryan Kerrigan only went through the walkthrough portion of the morning session due to an injured knee. Mike Shanahan told reporters he would likely be able to practice fully in two or three days. Brandon Banks was on the sidelines nursing what Shanahan said was a swollen knee and Ryan Torain injured his hand.
Shanahan was unsure as to the extent of Torain’s injury, but indicated it could be a sprained hand. Though it doesn’t seem to be a serious concern, it does bear watching given Torain’s inability to remain healthy. Shanahan said he would probably have the hand X-rayed Wednesday afternoon.
Some observations:
-Malcolm Kelly had a strong day. He looks completely healthy and was running smoothly through every route. He made a nice catch downfield after getting behind the defense and several nice grabs along the sideline and over the middle in traffic. There hasn’t been any one receiver putting on a clinic, but Kelly was very solid today.
-The receiver drawing a lot of buzz is the newly acquired Jabar Gaffney. He caught a John Beck longball today and has shown reliable hands. However, it’s tough seeing him starting this year. He is coming off a 65-catch season, but that was the only time in his nine-year career he’s had over 60 receptions.
-Watched Trent Williams match up against Brian Orakpo and Williams’ footwork has really improved. He kept Orakpo in front of him as the linebacker tried a speed rush and a cutback to the inside. Shanahan has raved about Williams’ athleticism and we’ve seen it so far in camp.
-Beck’s arm strength is going to be a weakness. He doesn’t throw with much zip and anything he threw towards the sideline wasn’t crisp. He did connect on some deep throws, but he doesn’t have a quick release and has been indecisive at times.
Shanahan said that Beck and Grossman would split reps with the first team offense, but the coach would elaborate on how was going to divide the preseason games.
-Adam Carriker blew up the offensive line on several run plays. He emerged down the stretch last year and will be fighting for a starting job with Jarvis Jenkins and Stephen Bowen.
After practice he told me he expects to be a starter on the defensive line this year. Bowen can’t practice until Thursday and Jenkins is a rookie so the odds are in Carriker’s favor.
“A lot of these guys, like you said, they haven’t practiced yet or they’re going to practice for their first time tomorrow in this defense,” he said. “In the cool of a room, you know what you’re supposed to do, but as you get out here—you’re tired, it’s hot— it’s all about what you’ve done a million times before and so for me it’s like bam, bam, bam. I’m not even thinking anymore.”
-Kevin Barnes has a make or break year ahead of him. Phillip Buchanon won’t be playing in the first four games of the year, meaning Barnes have an opportunity to seize a more prominent role in the secondary.
“I’ve been buried on the depth chart since I’ve been here so now, I’m a little bit older, a little bit wiser,” he said. “Coaches are putting a little bit more responsibility on me to go out there do what I’m capable of doing.”
-Beck spoke glowingly of Fred Davis who almost looks like a receiver with all the weight he’s lost.
“Fred has been playing awesome,” Beck said. “He has made some great diving catches. I think he’s primed for a great year.”
Beck said Davis had come out to San Diego to practice with him over the offseason. Davis himself has mentioned he needs to become a student of the game and finally he seems to be ready for the commitments that come with being an NFL player.
His blocking hasn’t gotten any better, but on the whole Davis has been very good as a pass-catcher in camp. If he can establish himself as a red zone threat, he’ll be a valuable piece.
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