This afternoon's practice marked the first mandatory workouts of the offseason, as rain forced the team inside the indoor practice facility.
While the players practiced without pads, the tempo of the workout was noticeably higher, with more time devoted to full-team drills.
Defensive end Adam Carriker and running back Evan Royster were back in the mix after being limited last Thursday. Running back Tim Hightower participated in running back drills, but will not join the full-team drills until training camp.
Josh Wilson, Leonard Hankerson, Roy Helu Jr., Tristan Davis, Brian Orakpo and Jonothan Goff were still limited to sideline drills with the trainers.
Full-team drills began with each quarterback leading a drive downfield, starting at their own 20-yard line.
Robert Griffin III went first, and hit receiver Santana Moss for a modest 20-yard gain over the middle. Several plays later, he looked off safety help before targeting Pierre Garçon in the back corner of the end zone.
Garçon was well covered by Cedric Griffin on the play, but made a spectacular one-handed catch that earned cheers from the offensive bystanders.
The defense answered back on the next set of drills, with undrafted rookie cornerback Chase Minnifield picking off quarterback Rex Grossman for an easy defensive touchdown. This earned a huge roar of approval from the defensive bystanders.
Minnifield had several outstanding plays on the day, nearly intercepting Griffin III in the red zone, and breaking up several other passes. After his dropped interception, he and fellow defensive back Kevin Barnes voluntarily did pushups to atone for their mistake.
On special teams, Brandon Banks was joined by Terrence Austin, Aldrick Robinson and Anthony Armstrong in kickoff return drills.
The kicking competition continued today, with both Graham Gano and Neil Rackers getting opportunities from 57 yards. While both players had ample power, Gano's sailed through the hanging goal posts, and Rackers' banged off the right upright.
A Griffin III Hail Mary attempt to end practice was batted incomplete. Day 2 of mini-camp practice will begin tomorrow.
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