Russini in Richmond: Pushing Through the Training Camp Wall

News4's Dianna Russini is in Richmond throughout Redskins Training Camp, and sending regular reports. Here's today's news from camp.

The Redskins have been practicing for one week and in one week they'll play in their first preseason game -- against the New England Patriots.

Wednesday is hump day for most of us, but today is more like a hump day at camp. Everything is piling up -- the work load, the installs, the soreness.

The team is getting close to hitting that training camp wall, but pushing through it is how you make strides as a team. The Redskins have been through 50 percent of their practices and the chemistry is getting better.

Coach Jay Gruden demands physical plays as the guys are starting to get tired here.

Today the focus of practice was the running game. I kept a close watch not just on Alfred Morris, who had a spectacular day with the ball, but also Roy Helu and Silas Redd.

The unit I'm watching closely every day? The offensive line. These players need to be like synchronized swimmers. They need to communicate with non-verbal cues. I'm told this unit has been working the hardest to improve this season. Of the five starting linemen, two have been replaced. They drafted two rookies, and Gruden says Shawn Lauvao, the free agent pickup, is the most improved player on this team since OTAs.

Lets talk some nuggets:

  • Offensive lineman Trent Williams was limping during the end of practice. He put ice on his left leg but I'm told no major problems.
  • Wide receiver Pierre Garcon sat out during team drills today. They are trying to go easy on his hamstring.
  • I interviewed Santana Moss about a lot of different things. The 14-year veteran and Redskin for the past 10 years said RGIII is more accurate this camp. He also pointed out that DeSean Jackson tracks the ball better than any other receiver he has ever played with.
  • Coach Gruden gave the team a choice at the end of practice -- run sprints or play two more 10-minute periods. They chose running. It looked exhausting!

Coming up on News4 at 5 p.m. Jack Gruden, Coach Gruden's 17-year-old son has the best summer job in the world, and he tells us about it. At 6 p.m. you will hear from the O-linemen and how they are improving.

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