Surprise move: Marshall is cut

In the first surprise roster move of training camp, the Washington Redskins released linebacker Lemar Marshall yesterday and signed 34-year old veteran Randall Godfrey.

Marshall had started all but three games the last three years but was deemed expendable with the arrival of London Fletcher and emergence of Rocky McIntosh. Still, it was assumed Marshall would make the team as a backup weak-side linebacker.

Marshall said coach Joe Gibbs called him to Redskin Park on Monday night, when he met with Gibbs, assistant head coach-defense Gregg Williams and linebackers coach Kirk Olivadotti.

“When I came in, I could see it on their faces, but still, to hear it was a total shock,” Marshall said in a phone interview. “It’s a lot different than when I was cut by Tampa Bay, Philadelphia and Denver. I had been here for almost five years. This became my home. I didn’t expect to leave like this, but it’s a business.

“They said they were worried about my injuries from last year and whether I could make it through the year, but I haven’t been in the training room one day this summer.”

Marshall started for the injured LaVar Arrington at weak-side linebacker in 2004 and was a two-year starter at middle linebacker. He totaled 197 tackles in the last three seasons.

“It really boiled down to the fact that there are some other people coming around that are going to play for us,” Gibbs said. “We made up our mind that if wanted to go in a different direction, we wanted to do it now.”

Godfrey has played for Dallas, Tennessee, Seattle and San Diego since entering the league in 1996.

“I had a one-year deal on the table from San Diego with a pay cut — they wanted to go young,” Godfrey said. “I always wanted to play this year. I had a few teams calling, and I thought this was the best position.”

Campbell jogs around

Quarterback Jason Campbell, three days after bruising his left knee, participated in the walkthrough and did some light jogging earlier in the day.

“Today was my first time moving on it, and I’m not where I thought it was — it didn’t feel as good when I would walk around on it,” he said. “But it’s only been a couple days. Right now, I feel I’m doing well to move around at the level I am.”

It seems unlikely Campbell will play Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens. Gibbs would not commit to either Todd Collins or Mark Brunell should Campbell sit.

Samuels takes next step

Left tackle Chris Samuels, out since July 30 with a sprained medial collateral ligament, progressed to the next step of his rehabilitation by doing change-of-direction agility work and running 40-yard sprints during the first 30 minutes of practice.

“I’m slowly getting back into the groove of things,” he said.

Samuels doubts he will be back for the Aug. 30 preseason finale in Jacksonville.

In addition to Campbell and Samuels, running back Clinton Portis (knee), linebacker Marcus Washington (elbow), receiver Jason McAddley (hamstring) and tight end Tyler Ecker (groin) sat out practice.

The Redskins signed receiver Jerel Myers, who spent the last two years with the Kansas City Brigade of the Arena Football League.

Daniels staying put

Despite the elbow injury to linebacker Marcus Washington, who was doubling as a rush end on third-down passing situations, defensive end Phillip Daniels will continue to shift inside to tackle.

“If they need to go back there, I’ll do it, but they’re trying to get some young guys ready,” he said. “There’s no need for me to go out there. My best place on third down is playing the middle with [Cornelius Griffin] and letting the young guys use their speed outside.”

Washington’s absence will provide a chance for rookie ends Chris Wilson and Alex Buzbee to get more pass rush work.

Pucillo, Wade rotate

During the first 30 minutes of practice, Mike Pucillo and Todd Wade appeared to be sharing the snaps with the first-team offensive line. Wade, who missed last week’s game because of a shoulder injury, said he took limited work.

Pucillo was satisfied with his two quarters of work against Pittsburgh.

“It’s a huge opportunity anytime you get to start and then practice with the 1s,” he said. “It’s my opportunity to show the coaches I deserve it.”

• Staff writer David Elfin contributed to this story.