For the first time in 2012, the Redskins rookies joined the veterans for full-team offseason team activities.
With light rain in the forecast for much of the day, head coach Mike Shanahan moved the practice to the indoor practice facilities. It was the first indoor practice open to the media in franchise history.
Due to the non-contact nature of OTA's, the team took the field in helmets, but no practice shells or pads.
Several players coming off of injury suited up but did not participate in drills, including running back Tim Hightower, receiver Leonard Hankerson, and defensive end Stephen Bowen. These three did work with the training staff on the sidelines, before watching drills with teammates.
The highlight of the practice was seven-on-seven drills, with quarterback Robert Griffin III and the first-team offense against the second team defense. The running backs and receivers rotated through the skill positions.
This was Griffin III's first introduction to "pressure," as the defense was permitted to shadow his movement and close the pocket. Griffin III was mobile in and out of the pocket, and flashed impressive speed when forced to tuck the ball and run.
Across the field, veteran quarterback Rex Grossman and rookie Kirk Cousins took snaps with the second-team offense. Defensive end Jarvis Jenkins rotated through the defensive line, looking comfortable for the first time since tearing his ACL in Week 3 of the preseason last year.
The play of the day likely went to rookie cornerback Richard Crawford, who made an athletic play on a pass from Griffin III during seven-on-seven drills. He showed great closing speed, and nearly made an over the shoulder interception, before the ball fell incomplete.
Practice also featured a kicking exhibition by new kicker Neil Rackers, who missed several wide, but also showed good range, knocking it high off the walls from 40 yards. Gano participated in kicking drills, but did not kick towards the uprights.
Quarterback Griffin III and linebacker London Fletcher took to the podium to address the media following practice. More to come, later.
