ASHBURN — The Washington Redskins had some high-profile names not in attendance for Monday’s OTA session, including running back Adrian Peterson and cornerback Josh Norman.
But coach Jay Gruden said he was not concerned with their absence, given this portion of the team’s offseason workouts are still voluntary.
“The coaches are put in a unique situation here where you want everybody to be here, but it’s voluntary based on the CBA so there’s really no reaction that we can have other than coach the guys that are here the best way we can and get them ready,” Gruden said. “We told them today that this is for your benefit, not ours. You know we’re trying to get you better. Some players that choose not to be here, that’s their own choice.
“They feel like they’re getting better with their own trainers in their own way, which is understandable. We just coach the guys that are here.”
Washington began “Phase 3” of the offseason, which allows for teams to conduct 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills for the first time. Live contact is still not permitted during this phase.
Left tackle Trent Williams, safety Montae Nicholson, defensive tackle Daron Payne, tight ends Jordan Reed and Vernon Davis were among the other notable players to skip out on the team’s workouts.
Players have their own reasons for not showing up. Last year, for example, linebacker Zach Brown said he was spending the time with his family instead. Reed, meanwhile, preferred to train in Miami in 2017.
The Redskins also had a group of injured players who were not in uniform, but were off to the side working out. Wideout Paul Richardson (shoulder), cornerback Quinton Dunbar (nerve/leg), running back Derrius Guice (ACL) and safety Landon Collins (shoulder) were among the rehabbing group.
Here is a list of players who either weren’t accounted for or injured on Monday:
- Wide receiver Paul Richardson (shoulder)
- Quarterback Alex Smith (leg)
- Quarterback Colt McCoy (leg)
- Wide receiver Robert Davis (leg)
- Cornerback Quinton Dunbar (leg)
- Safety Landon Collins (shoulder)
- Running back Bryce Love (knee)
- Cornerback Josh Norman
- Running back Adrian Peterson
- Safety Montae Nicholson
- Linebacker Cassanova McKinzy (pectoral)
- Center Chase Roullier
- Tackle Geron Christian (MCL)
- Tackle Morgan Moses (ankle)
- Tight end Jordan Reed
- Tight end Vernon Davis
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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