After back-to-back days in pads, the Washington Commanders were back on the practice field for Day 8 of training camp without pads.
Wednesday’s practice had referees, and it was sometimes ugly for the offense. Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy was none too happy.
As for Thursday, it was a much quieter and less eventful day. Here are some of the top highlights/videos from some of those in attendance from Day 8 of training camp in Ashburn.
Sam Howell throwing the deep ball
Definitely a lighter vibe today at practice with starters vs. backups in 11-on-11 drills. That said, Howell had some sharp passes to Dotson and Brown deep downfield
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) August 3, 2023
Quarterback Sam Howell loves the deep ball. And he’s accurate in throwing the deep ball, too. With a lighter vibe at practice Thursday, Howell let loose a bit.
Howell was slinging it today 🔥
Finds a wide open Terry McLaurin for a big gain #HTTC pic.twitter.com/y6Z4yzbGUQ
— Mason Kinnahan (@Mason_Kinnahan) August 3, 2023
Howell was sharp
Not only was Howell chucking the deep ball, but it was also a sharp overall practice session for him, according to Zach Selby of commanders.com.
Since the intensity at practice was toned down, evaluating competition can be difficult. With that said, there were still some standout moments, one of the biggest being how crisp Sam Howell looked all morning. His first three passes were completed to Brian Robinson, Jahan Dotson and Dyami Brown with the latter bringing in receptions deep downfield. The defense didn’t battle much for the ball, but Howell did have good placement on the passes.
Saahdiq Charles is day-to-day
Day 8. Saahdiq Charles back out here, but it’s Chris Paul with the 1st team during offensive walkthru. pic.twitter.com/bIqB5SafSe
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) August 3, 2023
Head coach Ron Rivera said after practice that Charles had tweaked his calf and was day-to-day.
“I think it’s a day-to-day thing. I mean, it’s something you hope and you want, but it is day-to-day,” Rivera said.
Yes, Rivera has noticed UDFA Mason Brooks
Rookie undrafted free agent guard Mason Brooks opened eyes earlier this week when he got the best of 2022 second-round pick Phidarian Mathis in individual drills. Brooks, who played at Western Kentucky before transferring to Ole Miss for his final season, was a priority free agent for the Commanders.
After practice, head coach Ron Rivera let it be known that Brooks has his attention.
“I think Mason is one of those solid, solid guys that’s, you know, gets overlooked because he only really had one year in the SEC at Ole Miss and I think he’s a guy that the more he works, the better he’s going to get,” Rivera said. “I mean, he’s still a ways away, he’s got a lot of work to do, but there is a good toughness, there is a good grit to who he is as a young player.”
The Commanders need offensive linemen. Brooks must shine in preseason games to solidify a roster spot.
K.J. Henry found some Clemson fans
had a @ClemsonFB fan in the house at training camp today @thekjhenry | #HTTC pic.twitter.com/Wpill4zGXl
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 3, 2023
Bad news for DT David Bada
David Bada has been with Washington since 2020. On Wednesday, Rivera said Bada tore a tricep, which likely means he’s done for the year. Bada faced long odds to make the team, but could’ve returned to the practice squad.
Terry is beloved
People freaking out over Terry never gets old pic.twitter.com/JDl4xnMFNO
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 3, 2023
Howell to Dotson
Sam Howell finds Jahan Dotson across the middle of the field for a first down
Defense in zone, Apke saw the play developing but couldn’t react fast enough to break up the pass #HTTC pic.twitter.com/4aLvqMhSYg
— Mason Kinnahan (@Mason_Kinnahan) August 3, 2023
