ASHBURN, Va. — The Redskins began their first session of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) on Tuesday without some key pieces. Those missing included linebacker Ryan Kerrigan (knee surgery), offensive tackle Trent Williams and cornerback Tracy Porter (flight issues), tight end Jordan Reed (knee soreness) and wide receiver DeSean Jackson. Jay Gruden offered no explanation of the Jackson absence, only that he will miss this week’s sessions and should return next week.
I would say that the most troubling could be the knee issue with Jordan Reed. He’s missed 12 games during his first two professional seasons because of injuries, and if this knee soreness is more than just precautionary, it could be a problem moving forward.
Gruden said that Kerrigan will be fine and is progressing after his surgery. Cornerback DeAngelo Hall was in attendance and did some light drills before changing his shoes and watching the rest of the day.
Hall said he expects to be cleared to participate once training camp rolls around in July.
Robert Griffin III enters the season as the starter, despite Jay Gruden saying there would be a competition at the end of last season. Griffin seemed very relaxed Tuesday.
“For me, you have got to focus on what you can control,” he said. “Apparently Jay felt like I was the best option that he had at quarterback, and I’m happy about that. We look forward to working together to help this team and lead this team in the right direction and create the culture change that we know we need to have.”
Jay Gruden liked what he saw on Day 1 as well.
“He’s doing fine,” Gruden said of Griffin. “He’s just got to continue to put practice after practice together and show the consistency that we’re looking for.”
Griffin’s wife gave birth to a baby girl last week, the couple’s first child. Gruden had some advice for the new father.
“Yeah, sleep in the other room,” he said. “He’s got to make sure he gets his rest when he can because I’m not going to let him use a baby crying as an excuse for him falling asleep in a meeting. But, no, he’s excited. We’re happy for him and his wife Rebecca. He’s a very proud papa. I didn’t get a cigar though yet — I’m a little disappointed. But we’re happy for him.”
The Redskins have three weeks of OTAs followed by a mini camp June 16-18.