Minicamp ends, long break begins for team

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Washington Redskins coach Joe Gibbs worked his players for less than an hour yesterday in the final practice of minicamp, rewarding them for an offseason of hard work.

The only activity left before players report to training camp July31 is several days of rookie orientation this week. Gibbs said some veterans would attend orientation on a voluntary basis, but the bulk of the roster yesterday afternoon departed for a 41-day break.

"We've worked real hard up to this point, having great attendance and great work," Gibbs said. "Now it's up to each person individually [to do] a great job over the next six weeks."

Several important developments occurred this offseason. Gibbs changed the offense to include more deep passes. Defensive coaches identified several up-and-comers to fill out Gregg Williams' myriad packages. And the club's special teams got much-needed reinforcements in the form of able-bodied linebackers, safeties, H-backs and running backs.

For a second straight year Redskins players were subjected to a conditioning test, though this time Gibbs conducted a series of 40-yard dashes rather than monitoring players' stress levels in a treadmill test. The coach said everyone passed.

Gibbs never feels as if he's had enough practice time, and this year he was hampered particularly by the loss of three workout days, the penalty for some too-intense practice drills. But he also is eager for the NFL's one true vacation period to arrive.

"As quick as I can I'm getting out of here," Gibbs said. "You're not going to know where I am, and I don't want anybody tracing me."

Injury update

Linebacker LaVar Arrington and defensive tackle Brandon Noble remain somewhat questionable for the start of training camp even though they are progressing well from their respective setbacks.

Arrington began a running program this week and has yet to experience any swelling in his right knee, which has undergone two arthroscopic surgeries since September. But it's still too soon to say whether Arrington will be ready for camp.