Following 13 days of training camp practice in Richmond, the team returned to Redskins Park on Tuesday afternoon. Here are five takeaway from the 90-minute workout and head coach Jay Gruden's press conference afterwards.
1. Case Keenum works primarily with the first team; Colt McCoy held out.
Case Keenum received a majority of the reps as the starting quarterback Tuesday, and it's apparent the veteran signal-caller has become more comfortable with his latest NFL offense. Keenum took deep shots throughout the session, highlighting his arm strength and increased rapport with both the receivers and tight ends. On back-to-back plays during 7-on-7s, Keenum connected with a leaping Josh Doctson for a long touchdown and then lofted an accurate pass down the left sideline to Vernon Davis, who reeled in the catch in double coverage.
Colt McCoy received zero team reps during practice, leading to a barrage of questions during Gruden's press conference afterwards. Gruden said McCoy is "still a little sore from the last day of practice," and that the team is emphasizing his mental and physical stability coming off offseason leg surgery. Thursday's matchup against the Bengals should provide a clearer picture on McCoy's status.
"It's not quite where it was when [McCoy] was 100 percent without the injury. It's something he's still dealing with and will have to deal with," Gruden said of McCoy's injury. "Main thing is to make sure he's comfortable back there and has enough strength to push off and throw and feels good about if he does get hit, that it's healthy and stable, which it is."
Dwayne Haskins worked behind Keenum with the second-team offense and received most of his reps during the 7-on-7 period. Haskins made it a priority to take care of the football Tuesday, as there were zero notable miscues from the rookie quarterback. Haskins' highlight of the session came on a strike to the front corner of the end zone where an awaiting Kelvin Harmon snagged the missile for a touchdown. After taking a three-step drop, Haskins quickly shuffled to his left, flipped his hips and uncorked a strike to his rookie counterpart.
2. Montez Sweat showcases combination of speed and strength.
During the early portion of 11-on-11 drills, Montez Sweat pursued Darvin Kidsy on a reverse play, eventually engulfed the 6-foot, 180-pound wide receiver and then tossed him to the sideline. The sequence showcased Sweat's unique combination of size, speed and strength It also seems as though the first-round rookie is fully healthy after getting kicked in the calf during training camp.
Gruden said Sweat should see playing time Thursday against Cincinnati after not playing in the preseason opener.
3. Robert Davis continues to gain confidence.
Davis continued his production, hauling in a touchdown pass on a fade route from Keenum during the 7-on-7 session. The connection comes days after the two hooked up for a 46-yard touchdown and drew a long pass-interference penalty against the Cleveland Browns. Their next chance to build chemistry will come in Week 2 of the preseason Thursday night.
4. Defensive Coordinator Greg Manusky implements unique packages.
Seen throughout camp, defensive coordinator Greg Manusky continued to display unique defensive packages Tuesday, such as five-man fronts and four-man fronts with four linebackers in each gap. There was also a five-defensive back package with safeties Landon Collins and Deshazor Everett roaming the box.
5. Gruden addresses several injuries.
In addition to McCoy, several players missed practice Tuesday because of injuries: inside linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton (chest), defensive lineman Caleb Brantley (foot), wide receivers Trey Quinn (thumb) and Paul Richardson (quad), linebacker Jordan Brailford (groin) and Adonis Alexander (quad).
Corner Quinton Dunbar, who missed the past few practices with soreness, returned to the field Tuesday.
