News & notes
» Right tackle Jammal Brown received a shot to ease the pain in his left hip, Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said Tuesday. Brown has not practiced since Aug. 3 and his absence was initially termed as a precautionary measure. However, after missing last season with a sports hernia — he had surgery on his left hip — Brown’s continued absence is at least a mild concern for the Redskins. Shanahan said he won’t resume practicing until Sunday or Monday at the earliest. “I hope it’s not a setback,” Shanahan said.
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» Also, receiver Malcolm Kelly (hamstring) won’t play Friday and Shanahan said he hopes Kelly will return next week. Running back Clinton Portis complained of a tight groin during the morning practice and sat out. But he participated in the afternoon walk-through.
Position review » Wide receivers
Brandon Banks
Banks, an undrafted rookie free agent, continues to impress with his speed (he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.24 seconds). Tuesday, he ran a deep post to beat Justin Tryon and grab what would have been a 60-yard touchdown pass. He’s probably 10 pounds and one inch smaller than his listed dimensions (5-foot-7, 155 pounds). “Very few guys have that type of athletic ability,” coach Mike Shanahan said. “He’s been fun to take a look at every day. With his quickness and speed no one gets a good shot at him. I’ll be interested to see how he does; I’m pulling for him.” The problem: It’s easy for defensive backs and especially linebackers to jar the ball free as he attempts the reception. His future is as a returner.
Devin Thomas
His inconsistent camp continued Tuesday when he dropped a pass right in his midsection on a crossing route, only to later grab one that was behind him on a similar route. That’s why Thomas is listed with the No. 3 offense on the depth chart. “I have to work and make some plays so I can move up and if not I’ll be stuck on the mat,” he said. “Hopefully after a couple games, we’ll make some changes [on the depth chart].”
Malcolm Kelly
Kelly won’t play vs. Buffalo on Friday night thanks to a hamstring pull that has sidelined him for all but the first day of training camp. Kelly has barely done any running this week. Shanahan said he’s hopeful that Kelly can return to practice next week. If he doesn’t, it’s hard to imagine him making the roster.
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