The competition between Mark Brunell and Patrick Ramsey for the starting quarterback job of the Washington Redskins has been the biggest story so far in training camp.
But the battle for playing time among a host of talented receivers is also shaping up to be a key one.
Laveranues Coles is the firm No. 1, although his nagging toe injury could became a factor in the regular season. Rod Gardner is penciled in as the other starter, although Darnerien McCants performed well in Saturday's preseason game and is coming on strong.
"I think it's hard fought in there," Coach Joe Gibbs said of the receiver position. "That will be one of the real competitive spots on our football team."
James Thrash was signed to be the third receiver, and his work ethic and attitude are loved by the coaches.
Injuries have caused problems for virtually all the receivers. Thrash missed a practice with a hamstring problem but has generally been healthy. Taylor Jacobs, a second round pick in 2003, missed much of the early part of training camp, returned for a few days and then suffered an abdominal strain Tuesday before returning Wednesday.
"Taylor was having an unbelievable camp," Gibbs said. "And then the injury really set him back."
Cliff Russell, a third round pick in 2002 who is fighting Jacobs for one of the final receiver spots on the roster, has barely played in camp due to a hamstring injury and remains out. McCants and Gardner also came down with injuries during a physical practice Tuesday morning. McCants has a sprained knee and ankle and missed Wednesday's practice. Gardner hurt his finger and shoulder but did practice.
Coles was explosive in the last game against Carolina, and is the only receiver to connect with Ramsey to this point, as the incumbent starting quarterback has struggled. Gardner has had a quiet preseason, catching one ball for eight yards, while McCants took advantage of Carolina's second-team defense in the second half Saturday, catching two passes for 78 yards including a beautiful 61-yard touchdown reception from Brunell. McCants leads the team with five catches in the preseason.
"From my second year compared to my third [last season], it wasn't nowhere close," Gardner said. "And this year I'm trying to recapture that and bring it back. . . . I'm trying to get my mind right and focus my mind."
With a new coaching staff in place, there is abundant opportunity to move up and earn more playing time. Gardner wants to improve his game after slipping last season and is expected to start again against the Miami Dolphins on Saturday with Brunell opening the game at quarterback.
Gibbs is known for selecting undrafted free agents for his final roster, and Gari Scott, who played at Michigan State, has been the best of the group of unheralded receivers in camp, making several nice catches and performing well returning kicks against the Panthers last Saturday night.
The first NFL cutdown date is Aug. 31, and Gibbs has hinted that he is looking for durability from his players and a willingness to play through minor injuries. Unless the health of some receivers improves there could be a few surprising releases at that spot by the end of the month.
By Jason La Canfora
Uh, Gari Scott WAS drafted (4 years ago). I gotta give La Canfora a call.
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#60 Chris Samuels: 6-time 6-time 6-time 6-time 6-time 6-time Pro Bowl left tackle!
If Jafar Williams doesn't make the final roster, then I think (and hope) we keep him on the practice squad...Gari Scott and Williams remind me alot of McCants when he came into the league out of Delaware St. Gari and Jafar have alot of talent and is worth holding onto for depth purposes...the kid can play at the NFL level
Gibbs is known for selecting undrafted free agents for his final roster, and Gari Scott, who played at Michigan State, has been the best of the group of unheralded receivers in camp, making several nice catches and performing well returning kicks against the Panthers last Saturday night.
I hope he keeps a few of the undrafted rookies instead of keeping some of our stale players. I had hopes for Russell but he's a bust. I understand if you play and get hurt, but he's getting hurt getting out the bed.
oafusp wrote:Scott Cloman....aka Rynaldo Wynns cousin....hasn't had as good a camp as he did last year.
Cliff Russell is GONE
-el burpo grande
Cloman did have a good camp, oafusp. It was as good as last year's.
And sadly, I do think my boy Cliff Russell is gone. He had his only chance to produce in last years preseason but blew it and has been plagued by injuries since we drafted him. That said, the kid has tons of speed and if I was a GM on another team, I'd sign him and take a chance on him.
RIP Sean Taylor 1983-2007
RIP Kevin Mitchell 1971-2007
RIP Justin Skaggs 1979-2007
RIP Sammy Baugh 1914-2008
RIP JPFair
RIP VetSkinsFan
#60 Chris Samuels: 6-time 6-time 6-time 6-time 6-time 6-time Pro Bowl left tackle!
russell should try out for the olympic track team. you know, something where there is NO physical contact. maybe then he'd stay healthy.
oh cliff, while you're at it, take that worthless taylor jacobs with you. i think his stomach hurts. we could use those roster spots on someone who won't have a cold on gameday.... scott cloman and gari scott.
THN's resident jerk.
Glock .40 Model 22 - First* line of home defense.... 'ADT' is for liberals.
I don't know what the deal is with Russell and Jacobs man, they need some kind of extra help to stay healthy man, they are truly throwin' the chances down the toilet..Jacobs definitely has potential to be something good in the league..but Russell, just needs to come and work at Kinkos with me..But he still may call in sick too much from the paper cuts...haha
2005: Skins make the playoffs...Redskins fan in OAKLAND...yup, Anything Can Happen..
19and97fan wrote:I don't know what the deal is with Russell and Jacobs man, they need some kind of extra help to stay healthy man, they are truly throwin' the chances down the toilet..Jacobs definitely has potential to be something good in the league..but Russell, just needs to come and work at Kinkos with me..But he still may call in sick too much from the paper cuts...haha
agreed. cut both jacobs and russell. scott cloman and gari scott actually want to play. those other guys don't, imo.
THN's resident jerk.
Glock .40 Model 22 - First* line of home defense.... 'ADT' is for liberals.
19and97fan wrote:I don't know what the deal is with Russell and Jacobs man, they need some kind of extra help to stay healthy man, they are truly throwin' the chances down the toilet..Jacobs definitely has potential to be something good in the league..but Russell, just needs to come and work at Kinkos with me..But he still may call in sick too much from the paper cuts...haha
agreed. cut both jacobs and russell. scott cloman and gari scott actually want to play. those other guys don't, imo.
I say let Russell go and let's give Captian Stomach Ache one more break, but if these other two keep prooving worthy, then ole' Pepto Gut can pack his bags too.
I think Gibbs is right on the money about Taylor (he was doing great til the setback). How much more of this will Gibbs put up with. His talent is defenitely there, but his injuries are getting out of hand.
As for Russell.............CCCCCCCCCCya!
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