ASHBURN,Va - This morning Redskins Park was not only the site of a training camp practice, it was also the home of the team's annual 'Fan Appreciation Day', as thousands of fans made their way to the team's training facility. Fans were treated to the team's band and cheerleading squad before the players came onto the field.
As for the actual practice, it was the first one this training camp that the players were in full shoulder pads rather than shells. That in addition to the fan presence this morning led to a more lively practice that featured as much intensity and physical play as there's been all camp so far.
John Beck tweaked his groin when running out of bounds. He said afterward that it wasn't too serious and he expects to get back on the field next practice.
Here are a couple quick hits from today's practice:
Leonard Hankerson has another solid day: I thought Leonard Hankerson had an underrated but solid day today. Not only in 11-on-11 drills did he perform, but also during the one-on-one drills between receivers and defensive backs. It was really fun watching all the matchups between he and DeAngelo Hall, as they found themselves going up against each other on a number of plays. Hankerson was able to create separation in one-on-one drills against Hall, who attempted to jam Hankerson at the line several times but was unable to do so successfully (without illegally grabbing him). When Hall was in off coverage, Hankerson ran precise routes a few times in front of Hall and was able to go up and make some solid 10 to 15 yard catches. None of them were flashy catches, but they are the type of catches that a good possession receiver, something the team hasn't had in a number of years, is able to do to keep drives alive.
Offensive line depth taking shape: With Jamaal Brown not at practice because he was attending a funeral and with Clint Oldenburg suffering from an illness, newly signed Sean Locklear wound up taking first team reps today. Locklear is an interesting signing, as he is a former starter for the Seahawks and brings plenty of experience to the backup tackle spot. Last summer he was coached by Alex Gibbs, Mike Shanahan's old offensive line coach, so he should be plenty comfotable with the zone blocking scheme. Shanahan spoke about the Locklear signing after practice today.
"He's played tackle in a number of different systems, both in the zone system and the power system," Shanahan said."[He's a ] good athlete. Glad to have him on our football team."
Ryan Kerrigan changes number, still didn't practice: Ryan Kerrigan came out this mornign sporting Vonnie Holliday's old number of 91. Unfortunately for Kerrigan, it didn't change his luck ii relation to his knee injury. The Redskins top draft pick was unable to participate again in team drills in practice, and has now been limited in seven straight practices. With the Redskins rookies already being behind the eight ball due to the lockout, it especially hurts Kerrigan, an expected Week 1 starter, trying to get as many reps as possible to get comfortable with the system. After practice he didn't seem to be all that concerned about how long he'd be out for.
"It's something that's going to take a little bit of time and hopefully it can get through it quick," Kerrigan said. When asked if he would be available to play in next week's preseason opener against the Steelers, he simply said "I hope so".
Shanahan also wasn't very worried about Kerrigan's availability for the game.
"I'm not worried about that but hopefully he will be able to make it,' Shanahan said. "We'll see how the knee is on Monday, [and] see if he practices on Monday"