bubba9497 Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 Key Battle Looms for Receivers The competition between Mark Brunell and Patrick Ramsey for the starting quarterback job of the Washington Redskins has been the biggest story so far in training camp. But the battle for playing time among a host of talented receivers is also shaping up to be a key one. Laveranues Coles is the firm No. 1, although his nagging toe injury could became a factor in the regular season. Rod Gardner is penciled in as the other starter, although Darnerien McCants performed well in Saturday's preseason game and is coming on strong. "I think it's hard fought in there," Coach Joe Gibbs said of the receiver position. "That will be one of the real competitive spots on our football team." James Thrash was signed to be the third receiver, and his work ethic and attitude are loved by the coaches. Injuries have caused problems for virtually all the receivers. Thrash missed a practice with a hamstring problem but has generally been healthy. Taylor Jacobs, a second round pick in 2003, missed much of the early part of training camp, returned for a few days and then suffered an abdominal strain Tuesday before returning Wednesday. "Taylor was having an unbelievable camp," Gibbs said. "And then the injury really set him back." Cliff Russell, a third round pick in 2002 who is fighting Jacobs for one of the final receiver spots on the roster, has barely played in camp due to a hamstring injury and remains out. McCants and Gardner also came down with injuries during a physical practice Tuesday morning. McCants has a sprained knee and ankle and missed Wednesday's practice. Gardner hurt his finger and shoulder but did practice. Coles was explosive in the last game against Carolina, and is the only receiver to connect with Ramsey to this point, as the incumbent starting quarterback has struggled. Gardner has had a quiet preseason, catching one ball for eight yards, while McCants took advantage of Carolina's second-team defense in the second half Saturday, catching two passes for 78 yards including a beautiful 61-yard touchdown reception from Brunell. McCants leads the team with five catches in the preseason. "From my second year compared to my third [last season], it wasn't nowhere close," Gardner said. "And this year I'm trying to recapture that and bring it back. . . . I'm trying to get my mind right and focus my mind." With a new coaching staff in place, there is abundant opportunity to move up and earn more playing time. Gardner wants to improve his game after slipping last season and is expected to start again against the Miami Dolphins on Saturday with Brunell opening the game at quarterback. Gibbs is known for selecting undrafted free agents for his final roster, and Gari Scott, who played at Michigan State, has been the best of the group of unheralded receivers in camp, making several nice catches and performing well returning kicks against the Panthers last Saturday night. The first NFL cutdown date is Aug. 31, and Gibbs has hinted that he is looking for durability from his players and a willingness to play through minor injuries. Unless the health of some receivers improves there could be a few surprising releases at that spot by the end of the month. By Jason La Canfora Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
China Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 The first NFL cutdown date is Aug. 31, and Gibbs has hinted that he is looking for durability from his players and a willingness to play through minor injuries. Unless the health of some receivers improves there could be a few surprising releases at that spot by the end of the month. Can you say good-bye Cliff Russell? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redskins_SF Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 "Taylor was having an unbelievable camp," Gibbs said. "And then the injury really set him back." Sounds like Joe is really high on Taylor Jacobs...now if can just stay healthy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morning Wood Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 "I'm trying to get my mind right and focus my mind." This message brought to you by the Department of Redundancy Department. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BD Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 My prediction: Russell is gone. 5 wideouts on the roster. Scott makes the practice squad. BD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thinker Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 I think BD hit it right on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Funkyalligator Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 Agreed BD....jacobs is staying and as I said before will be a factor by mid-season.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griff Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 I agree, if Geri Scott keeps playing the way he has, he will find a spot on the PS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TXREDSKINS44 Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 I think that Scott kid has a chance to make the team, I really enjoy watching him Play!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KingGibbs Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 Originally posted by BD My prediction: Russell is gone. 5 wideouts on the roster. Scott makes the practice squad. BD I agree. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inmate running the asylum Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 Originally posted by BD My prediction: Russell is gone. 5 wideouts on the roster. Scott makes the practice squad. BD Think. Think you guys. Scott is not eligible for the practice squad, being that he is a 2nd year player. Therefore Scott becomes the #6 wide receiver on the regular roster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimbo Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 I think everything depends on how well Jacobs performs in the last three preseason games in addition to Scott's performance on special teams and as a receiver. I think Scott is tied to Chad Morton as well. Scott, Morton and James Thrash can all return kicks and Thrash is a "Redskin" so I just don't see Scott, Morton and Jacobs all making the final roster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubba9497 Posted August 19, 2004 Author Share Posted August 19, 2004 Originally posted by inmate running the asylum Think. Think you guys. Scott is not eligible for the practice squad, being that he is a 2nd year player. Therefore Scott becomes the #6 wide receiver on the regular roster. as usual you get the rules wrong. any player is eligible for the pratice squad if the have not been active for 10 regular season games or have not been on the PS for two years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pocono Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 Originally posted by bubba9497 as usual you get the rules wrong. any player is eligible for the pratice squad if the have not been active for 10 regular season games or have not been on the PS for two years. Scott was on the Eagle's 53 man roster for 2 years. He's not eligible for anyone's practice squad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bulldog Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 Cliff Russell is as good as cut. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lightskins Posted August 20, 2004 Share Posted August 20, 2004 wassup with John Standeford??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stone Cold Posted August 20, 2004 Share Posted August 20, 2004 wassup with John Standeford??? ...um, camp fodder? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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