Redskins players moved forward with Plan B today, holding the first practice of a two-day informal minicamp at a Northern Virginia high school. Their goal: stay sharp during the ongoing lockout, which has indefinitely postponed the team’s official offseason program, including organized team activities and minicamps.
There were no helmets or pads, but convening for some position drills and seven-on-seven drills, was productive, players said. Some flew in from around the country to attend.
“It was good to see the group made the effort to get out here and participate,”
receiver Anthony Armstrong said. “We showed that everybody is trying to get better, and we’re trying to get better as a team.”
Defensive captain London Fletcher organized and scripted the workout, which approximately 30 players attended. It lasted little more than an hour. Media were asked not to attend.
The session was similar to a normal practice, special teams captain Lorenzo Alexander said. Players stretched, split up into position groups for drill work, reviewed plays and played seven-on-seven.
“The best was getting to see the guys, catch up a little bit, bond and chat about how everybody is doing,”
Alexander said.
Added Armstrong: “It was good hearing playcalls again and actually using the part of your memory that has the offense in there.”
John Beck and Rex Grossman played quarterback. Grossman is not under contract for 2011, so his presence is particularly noteworthy given the Redskins’ uncertainty at the position.
Neither Donovan McNabb nor Albert Haynesworth attended.
Terms of the lockout prohibited coaches from attending. However, general manager Bruce Allen said last week management was aware of players’ intent to practice away from team headquarters.
“We notice everything that happens,”
he said.
The Redskins are planning to practice again tomorrow.
“It’s been a while since I’ve put on football cleats,”
Armstrong said. “My feet are going to be sore.”
