Beck’s ailing groin gives Grossman more repetitions with the first string

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By Rich Campbell

The Washington Times

Monday, August 8, 2011

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ROD LAMKEY JR./THE WASHINGTON TIMES Redskins quarterback Rex Grossman, doing stretching exercises ... more >

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A day off wasn't enough for quarterback John Beck's injured groin to fully heal. He sat out team drills during the Washington Redskins' practice Monday morning, and his status for Friday's preseason opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers is in doubt.

"It'd be nice if it didn't happen, but now it's just make sure it doesn't get worse," Beck said after practice. "That's the big thing."

Beck's injury isn't believed to be serious, and whether he can fully participate in practice is being evaluated on a daily basis. Still, it temporarily saps some of the intrigue from his competition for the starting job against Rex Grossman.

Grossman took most of the snaps with the first-string offense Monday while Beck watched. Beck did throw to receivers during one-on-one drills, in which he did not have to face a pass rush.

"I can drop back when I don't have to react to a movement and stuff like that," Beck said. "I think that's why coach kept me out of the team stuff. To have a quick movement or something might [hurt] it again."

Coach Mike Shanahan said he will decide Wednesday how to divide playing time in Friday's game. Beck hopes to be ready but isn't sure if he will be.

"It's tough, because I want to go out there and take all my reps and compete," he said "but I've got to be smart at the same time, especially with something like this."

Blades faces competition at linebacker

Reserve inside linebacker Horatio Blades isn't happy the Redskins have signed two other players at his position since he re-signed with the team July 31, and he took his frustrations to Twitter.

"Right is right wrong is wrong. Don't ask people to be loyal when ur not. It's been real dc appreciate ya" Blades wrote on his Twitter account Monday afternoon.

Blades' words seemingly implied he had been released. When asked by a reporter if that were the case, he responded in a text message: "not yet."

He later added he had a "very strong feeling" that he'll be released soon.

Blades shied away from reporters after Monday afternoon's practice. He worked with the third string while newly signed free agent inside linebacker Keyaron Fox rotated in with the second string.

The Redskins also brought back incumbent starter Rocky McIntosh, who is ahead of Blades on the depth chart. Blades signed a one-year deal.

Extra points

c Outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan, the Redskins' first-round draft pick, participated in team drills for the first time since the first training camp practice July 29.

Kerrigan bruised a bone in his right knee that morning. He simultaneously took a bad step and was hit, and his knee hyperextended. He missed portions of 14 practices.

"I'm still getting adjusted to the brace, but that will come with time," he said. "Overall, I felt good, and it felt good to be back out there."

Kerrigan's inability to practice was problematic for a couple of reasons. He's a rookie who must learn the Redskins' defensive playbook, and he's also learning a new position. He played defensive end at Purdue.

He hopes to play Friday against Pittsburgh. "I've got to be ready," he said. "I have no choice."

c Receiver Malcolm Kelly (right foot) missed his third straight day of practice. Tight end Chris Cooley (left knee) sat out team drills. Receiver Brandon Banks (left knee) fully participated.