RICHMOND, Va. — The Redskins and Patriots wrapped up the final day of joint practices with a walk-through. The teams were in helmets and shells and didn’t do anything full speed at all today. With a game tomorrow night, it’s understandable. I thought the starters might do a little more full speed since they won’t be playing much tomorrow. Just how much?
“I’m planning to start them, obviously, and then see how we do,” Jay Gruden said. “Probably 8-10 plays, tops, maybe the quarter depending on my satisfaction.”
After that we will see second and third team units. Look for Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy to see action at quarterback. One of the positions to watch will be at running back as well. Undrafted rookie Silas Redd has had an impressive camp and he said he and fellow rookie Lache Seastrunk will play most of the second half. Second year running back Chris Thompson has been impressive so far during camp and still trying to prove he can stay healthy.
What is the overall the goal for Jay Gruden Thursday night?
“We’re just trying to find guys that can play, trying to put them in a situation where they can line up and play football and succeed. The biggest thing is when the lights cut on, how do you perform when the pressure is on? People are watching.”
Who’s Out?
Gruden said Ryan Clark, Phillip Thomas and Pierre Garcon will not play tomorrow night. All are suffering from some degree of hamstring injury.
Wide receiver DeSean Jackson got cleated during the walk-through and twisted his ankle. Don’t look for him to play tomorrow either. Gruden said it’s a possibility that he doesn’t play.
First game as an NFL head coach
While a lot of the talk is about Robert Griffin III, the offense, the rookies and guys trying to make this team playing in their first game, it’s also the first game as an NFL head coach for Jay Gruden
“I’m going to be excited, obviously, running out for the first time,” Gruden said. “My No.1 objective is to make sure to keep order on the sideline, make sure everybody is poised. Butterflies will be there before the game, but once the game starts, it’s business.”
Joint practices
Overall, the joint practices were a huge success in the eyes of Jay Gruden.
“I thought it was a great experience. It exposed some things that we really have to work on as a staff and it exposed some things we have to work on as players. Overall, we competed very well.”
He did mention that he would be open to doing it again maybe next year. He said it depends on the situation and how it fits logistically. The preference would be to keep the team in Richmond and not have to travel.
Other notes from Gruden
– The coach said that General Manager Bruce Allen will most likely be up in the booth helping out with replays.
– Defensive Coordinator Jim Haslett will be on the sideline during games this season. He spent last year upstairs in the coaches booth after having shoulder replacement surgery.
The Redskins will report back to Richmond on Saturday for a 2 p.m. practice.
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