Jim Zorn’s first practice as Redskins’ head coach

By Paul Woody
Richmond Times-Dispatch
Published: May 2, 2008

Paul Woody’s sports blog:

Jim Zorn held his first official practice with the Washington Redskins today, and he had beautiful weather for what was a fairly good beginning. Zorn was active, instructing quarterbacks, reminding receivers of steps to take when they begin running a pattern and generally showing a great deal of enthusiasm for his job.

The rookie receivers, Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly, who were drafted in the second round last weekend, spent the first practice session running with the fourth string unit. Thomas showed some deep speed, but neither had a lot of balls thrown their way.

Jason Campbell looked good and seemed to have a decent handle on the west coast offense.

Cornerback Carlos Rogers (knee), linebacker Rocky McIntosh (knee), rookie quarterback Colt Brennan (hip), rookie safety Kareem Moore (knee) and first-year tight end Tyler Ecker (groin) did not practice.

Zorn said Moore had his knee scoped this week. Ecker missed most of training camp last season—he was a seventh round draft choice from Michigan—with a pulled hamstring. It wouldn’t seem to be such a good thing that he already has another injury, and it’s just minicamp. Tight end is a crowded position on the Redskins roster.

Zorn said, “It’s a small setback.”

Ecker will have other chances, but he needs to heal as quickly as possible and show what he can do.

It’s early, but one player jumped out as someone to watch. Eric Shelton is a 6-1, 246-pound running back. He’s in his second season out of Louisville. He caught a pass out of the backfield in the morning session and built up an impressive head of steam. There is no tackling during minicamp, but if there had been, Shelton would have been difficult to stop. Don’t know if he has much of a chance to make the team, but the Redskins could use a backup fullback.