Former No. 1 draft pick among those at workout
ASHBURN – It sounded like a big deal. It’s likely business as usual. But it’s also not every day that a former top pick in the draft works out for the Redskins, especially two days after the franchise quarterback was benched.
But the Redskins work out players every Tuesday — and have even more in than usual during the bye week. It just so happened that this time JaMarcus Russell was in town, one of approximately 10 players on the field around noon. More often than not, these workouts are described as fact-finding missions for the future and rarely result in finding immediate help.
Oakland released Russell in May after three seasons, with his work ethic among the major issues. He has spent the past couple months working out with John Lucas and is reportedly in better shape than during his Raider days.
Though he was arrested on July 5 for codeine possession, a grand jury recently decided not to indict him.
Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said the team also worked out a few other quarterbacks.
“I haven’t studied JaMarcus since he came out of college,” Shanahan said. “I think me and everyone else from the NFL thought he was a hell of a talent coming out.
“I don’t think you consider anyone just based off talent. Everyone in the NFL is pretty talented. It’s the other stuff that separates you. … If he looks like he’s in good shape and he’s working, then that’s all you can evaluate. Everything else is just hearsay. Sometimes when guys do get a second opportunity they can change their stripes.”
Portis returns to field
Running back Clinton Portis ran a few plays in practice Tuesday, the first time he’s done so since hurting his groin on Oct. 10 vs. Green Bay. Portis will rehab here during the bye week. Practice resumes Monday.
“Where he has to determine how he is feeling is on certain types of cuts,” Shanahan said. “He can go straight ahead, but you got to really be careful when you cut. He made a few cuts, which is a good sign. We’ll see where he’s at on Monday.”
