Official Washington Redskins Forum Thread

[manchild24]

Brian Orakpo lined up as a linebacker on the first day of Redskins minicamp.

Orakpo expected to be broken in as a strong-side linebacker despite the fact that he's listed as a defensive end on the team's roster. He's likely to stay at linebacker on early downs and move to defensive end in pass rushing situations.

 

[manchild24]

Santana Moss was limited by shin splints in Redskins minicamp drills Friday.

While Moss should be fully healthy in time for training camp, it's worth pointing out that he's dealt with a myriad of leg injuries over the past three seasons.

 

[manchild24]

James Thrash is being held out of Redskins minicamp with a neck injury.

No further details are available, but Thrash is expected to be back for June OTAs.

 

[manchild24]

Redskins defensive coordinator Greg Blache is expected to alter his defensive line approach to suit Albert Haynesworth.

It's nothing earth-shattering, but Haynesworth wants to play in a role similar to the one he played in Tennessee. While Blache's defense typically uses the defensive tackle to occupy blockers, Haynesworth says he's "out there to make plays" and is "no space eater."

 

[manchild24]

Redskins WR Malcolm Kelly underwent microfracture knee surgery in February, though doctors had to repair less than they had anticipated.

"They found it had healed up a lot more than they thought," said Kelly, "So they just had to microfracture a little part." Coach Jim Zorn originally called it an arthroscopic procedure, perhaps because of its relatively minor nature. Kelly said his flexibility is better than ever, and he expects to be cleared for full participation in June OTAs.

 

[manchild24]

Devin Thomas is expected to miss the rest of this weekend's minicamp and part of next week's OTAs with a sore hamstring.

We usually try not to get carried away updating minor practice injuries, but Thomas' hamstring set him way back during his first training camp. Thomas has as much to prove as any second-year player this offseason, and this isn't a great start.

 

[manchild24]

Redskins agreed to terms with OL Jeremy Bridges, formerly of the Panthers.

The 'Skins are desperate for a youth influx on the offensive line, and Bridges will be an immediate upgrade at right tackle. His addition is good news for Clinton Portis owners, but he'll have to keep his nose clean in D.C. after being arrested twice in the past year. Aging veteran Jon Jansen will begin picking up snaps at guard and center in anticipation of a reserve role.

 

[manchild24]

The Redskins have extended contract offers to free agent receivers D.J. Hackett and Kelley Washington.

They are likely minimum deals with little or nothing guaranteed. Hackett is expected to sign later Sunday, but Washington is weighing an offer from the Ravens. Hackett would be an immediate third receiver option on the Skins.

 

[manchild24]

I really like the Bridges signing and Hacket can still surpries us this year.

 

[manchild24]

Updating a previous item, the Washington Post reports that no deal between the Redskins and free agent D.J. Hackett is imminent.

The Skins wanted Hackett signed by Monday after offering him a contract, but the agreement is on hold because he'll be tending to a personal matter for the next week. Hackett isn't known to be receiving any interest elsewhere

 

[manchild24]

Clinton Portis is already complaining about having to practice so early in the offseason.

This is routine for Portis. "It's too soon to be back," he said. "Bad weather. Swine flu going around. This water could have some Swine flu in it, then all of us would be dead. In Mexico, they canceled all sporting events. They need to do that in the U.S."

 

[manchild24]

Redskins signed WR Trent Shelton, formerly of the Seahawks.

Hopefully this doesn't take them out of the running for D.J. Hackett, who'd have a far better chance of making an impact. Shelton, 24, knows coach Jim Zorn's system but has zero career catches. He's a street free agent type

 

[manchild24]

The Redskins have made an offer to free agent WR Kelley Washington.

Washington would be an asset on special teams. We're hoping he has one more trip to the end zone left in him so we can see "The Squirrel" dance again.

 

[manchild24]

Redskins signed WR Roydell Williams, formerly of the Titans.

Williams, 28, led Tennessee in receiving two years ago, but fell out of the league last season when he couldn't recover quickly from ankle surgery. The operation was extensive and it's unclear if it's affected Williams' already mediocre long speed. He's competing for a roster spot.

 

[manchild24]

Albert Haynesworth is being sued for $7.5 million following a December car accident in Tennessee.

The lawsuit also asks for punitive damages, amounting to 25 percent of Haynesworth's guaranteed money from the Redskins. The other driver was seriously injured and ended up needing hip replacement surgery.

 

[manchild24]

Redskins coach Jim Zorn said that Todd Collins remains the No. 2 quarterback, but he "wants to see more of" Colt Brennan this summer.

Zorn has been working with Brennan's footwork, and he's "looking for him to really step up and take charge. He's taking little steps, but he's not ready yet." A second straight impressive preseason could have Brennan bypassing Collins on the depth chart.

 

[manchild24]

Devin Thomas reportedly "looked much improved" before tweaking his hamstring at the Redskins' post-draft minicamp.

SI's Don Banks says Thomas improved his route running, one of many skills the 2008 No. 34 pick struggled with last year. Banks calls Thomas "miles ahead" of fellow second-year wideout Malcolm Kelly. Still, the Skins signed two receivers after the camp, indicating they're not sold on Thomas yet.

 

[manchild24]

The Redskins reportedly have no interest in free agent OT Levi Jones.

With Jon Jansen, Stephon Heyer, and Mike Williams on the depth chart at right tackle, it's a position of need for the Redskins. They obviously prefer the recently signed Jeremy Bridges to Jones and will likely give him a chance to win the job.

 

[manchild24]

Devin Thomas underwent laser eye surgery this offseason.

His vision problems are being used as an excuse for his inconsistent pass-catching last year. We hope that's true, but it doesn't explain his reportedly poor work habits and difficulties with minor injuries. Thomas is currently sidelined by a sore hamstring.

 

[manchild24]

Redskins head coach Jim Zorn is looking for "one sure starter" out of Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas.

"We play a lot of our stuff with three receivers, and I want to put Antwaan [Randle El] in the slot. You'd like to see one guy completely take over the position," Zorn said. With Kelly still recovering from knee surgery and more of an inside receiver, Thomas is obvious guy to step up here. Randle El's weak fantasy value continues to fall.