Redskin Camp Report: July 31st

It was a beautiful day in Ashburn as the Washington Redskins took to the field for their third open practice of training camp. It was the first time the Redskins have been in full equipment at an open practice this year. Here are some observations from Tuesday's practice:

1) Laron Landry was suited up and had his first camp practice as a Redskin. He looked fairly comfortable, and doesn't look like it will take him long to get into the swing of things despite missing six practices. He was thrust right into the thick of it as he was lined up with Sean Taylor several times in the eleven-on-elevens. He didn't make any big notable plays, but he didn't make any big, noticeable mistakes either. He put in a surprisingly large amount of reps for his first day.

2) Perhaps the second most notable roster spot to watch on Tuesday was left offensive tackle. With Chris Samuels on the shelf for a few weeks, the Redskins will get a good opportunity to rotate through the incumbent back-ups and give them some time with the first string. The lucky recipient of Tuesday's honor of stepping into the role - rookie Stephon Heyer. Heyer took all the snaps with the first unit and performed very well. He didn't get beat badly in any incident and actually looked solid.

3) As a reward for being moved up to the big time, Heyer got to carry Jon Jansen and Casey Rabach's equipment off of the field at the end of practice. Such is the life of a rookie trying to make an NFL squad. It's always quite comical to see the veterans put the rookies through their paces every year.

4) Jason Campbell had a very solid day. He under threw a few passes, but all of his throws looked crisp. He also showed good mobility on a nice little run in the eleven-on-elevens on what was either a broken play, or a designed QB draw.

5) Todd Collins had a rough day. In fact, he threw more ducks than darts. With the emergence of Casey Bramlet in NFL Europa, and the seemingly logical assertion that the Redskins might be better off with a young quarterback that they can groom as the third string quarterback, Collins can't afford too many practices as sloppy as Tuesday.

6) Mike Sellers looked fine. Despite being injured on Saturday, he didn't look like he was laboring or struggling, and he participated in all drills. He's becoming almost as big a fan favorite as Chris Cooley is.

7) Derrick Blaylock had a nifty little run up the middle on a rare run play in the eleven on elevens. He ran into a big bunch up at the line, squirted out the other side and took the ball all the way to the end zone.

8) London Fletcher wasn't hard to pick out on the field. He was barking out directions to the defense and seemed to be very much in control.

9) Joe Salave'a looks to be in tremendous shape this year. He made a couple of nice plays as well.

10) Jerametrius Butler had a nice interception in the eleven-on-elevens, on a long pass from Todd Collins that was actually well thrown.

11) In the "completely unimportant category" - Carlos Rogers was wearing a pair of the brightest yellow socks that you'll ever see.

On the injury front, Clinton Portis did not practice. He was on the field but without equipment. Apparently he has a little bit of swelling and tendinitis in his knee, so the Redskins would rather err on the side of caution and gave Portis the day off.

Mike Espy also did not practice after injuring his knee in Monday's practice.

Some good news on the injury front, Randy Thomas was in full equipment and seemed to be taking almost regular duty.

The next open practice at training camp is Thursday, August 2nd at 4:00pm. Be sure to check the training camp section for all of the Redskins' practice dates.

- Mark Solway

Editor's Note: THN caught up with Shaun Suisham at the end of practice, so look for that article today or tomorrow.