Players-only minicamp held at local high school
It wasn’t exactly as intense as a typical Organized Team Activity workout would be with coaches. And the purpose wasn’t just to stay sharp. It was about staying connected as much as it was about going over plays during the lockout.
So when the Redskins gathered for a players-only minicamp at a local high school Tuesday, they accomplished their main mission. Linebacker Lorenzo Alexander said approximately 30 players attended the workout at a local high school — around 20 on offense and 10 on defense.
| 2011 REDSKINS SCHEDULE | ||
| Date | Opponent | Time |
| 9/11 | vs. Giants | 4:15 p.m. |
| 9/18 | vs. Cardinals | 1 p.m. |
| 9/26 | @ Cowboys | 8:30 p.m. |
| 10/2 | @ Rams | 1 p.m. |
| 10/9 | BYE | |
| 10/16 | vs. Eagles | 1 p.m. |
| 10/23 | @ Panthers | 1 p.m. |
| 10/30 | @ Bills | 4:05 p.m. |
| 11/6 | vs. 49ers | 1 p.m. |
| 11/13 | @ Dolphins | 1 p.m.* |
| 11/20 | vs. Cowboys | 1 p.m.* |
| 11/27 | @ Seahawks | 4:05 p.m.* |
| 12/4 | vs. Jets | 1 p.m.* |
| 12/11 | vs. Patriots | 1 p.m.* |
| 12/18 | @ Giants | 1 p.m.* |
| 12/24 | vs. Vikings | 1 p.m. |
| 1/1 | @ Eagles | 1 p.m.* |
| * Possible changes due to flex scheduling | ||
“You can tell guys are committed and want to change the aura of what’s been going on [in Washington],” Alexander said.
Among the surprises: quarterback Rex Grossman, who is not under contract, attended the session. He and John Beck were the only quarterbacks as Donovan McNabb stayed away (along with defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth).
A second session will be held Wednesday, and another one likely will take place in May if the lockout continues.
“It was good to get out there and hear the plays and run them and execute them as a team,” receiver Anthony Armstrong said. “Even though it was pretty light and minimal, there’s still a lot that was done. It’ll help us in the long run. Whenever the lockout ends, we can hit the ground running.”
More players are expected to participate on Wednesday. Some players still on the mend with injuries showed up as well.
Linebacker London Fletcher organized the event and took charge of the approximate 70-minute workout. They ran through some drills and then did seven-on-seven work. Alexander said they’re hoping more of the defensive backs show up Wednesday to make the seven-on-seven more effective.
“It felt like a workout,” Armstrong said. “My legs are tired after it. It’s a little competition because it’s offense vs. defense and you want to find a way to beat those guys regardless of the situation.”
Alexander said the session wasn’t about gauging who is, or isn’t, in shape.
“We’re not trying to patrol anybody, but if anybody had looked horrible we probably would say something,” he said. “It was more to get together as a team and having the experience and working on our craft.”
