The injury robbed him of one chance to start, ending his season on the opening kickoff. The draft might have swiped another one.
Not that Pierson Prioleau is bothered by it all. Yes, the injury killed the veteran from Virginia Tech’s season; but he was equally upset about a 5-11 record that he had nothing to do with. Yes, the draft brought future starter LaRon Landry. But Prioleau is just excited that he’s feeling healthy.
Besides, one thing this defensive staff has shown is this: they won’t play rookies before they’re ready. The previous two top-10 picks — safety Sean Taylor and corner Carlos Rogers — did not start immediately.
“If [Landry] is the starting safety, it’s because he worked his butt off and he’s ready to go,” Prioleau said. “It won’t be because of anything else; I trust and believe that. … I’ll push him and he’ll push me and I’ll help himwith keys and tips. If I’m not on the field I’ll make sure I’m pushing him to do the right thing.”
Prioleau tore the ACL in his right knee on the season-opening kickoff. He was supposed to start opposite Sean Taylor — and ahead of free-agent pickup Adam Archuleta.
His knowledge of Gregg Williams’ defense, having played in it in Buffalo and Washington, was a calming influence on others.
But he’s also versatile: Prioleau has covered receivers, rushed the passer, played in the box and lined up deep.
“We need his leadership and experience out there,” corner Carlos Rogers said.
Said safeties coach Steve Jackson, “Prioleau is one of our smartest players and he’s a teacher on the field. He teaches guys how to be professional, how to get the calls out, when to get the calls out and why we make certain calls. We missed that a lot.
“He gets guys together to watch the film and he gets them together when they break [from the field]. He sets the tone for the entire secondary.”
Prioleau is still not quite 100 percent and is held out of some drills in the organized team activities. But he said he’ll be completely recovered by the time training camp opens in late July.
Mentally he’s healing, too, and feeling like he’s a part of the team again.
“I tried to stay busy and stay as much a part of the team as I could,” he said. “I’d watch the games and feel like I was playing, but I was an outsider because I didn’t have any responsibilities on the field anymore. That leaves me with a special hunger inside for next season.”
OTA notes
» Safety Sean Taylor was among those who had an excused absence Thursday. Guard Randy Thomas had the day off; his son was graduating from kindergarten. Running back Rock Cartwright had a boot on his left foot after having his ankle stepped on Tuesday.
» Linebacker Marcus Washington (hip) is expected to get clearance June 4, with the goal of being ready for minicamp June 15-17.
» Redskins coach Joe Gibbs said he talked with running back Clinton Portis about his comments regarding Mike Vick and dog fighting. Gibbs said, “I have not talked to him about what he should say, but I addressed the issue with him and how we feel.”
» Signed wide receiver Terry Mitchell and released offensive lineman Cornelius Rogers. Mitchell is a free agent out of Grand Valley State.
