Update (June 12): The Redskins decided not to wait any longer to determine Thrash's future -- the team announced today that it has released the veteran wide receiver after he failed to pass a physical. Both owner Dan Snyder and coach Jim Zorn expressed hope that Thrash would retain some sort of non-playing positive within the Washington organization.
ASHBURN, Va. -- There has been speculation throughout the Redskins' offseason workouts that wide receiver James Thrash may retire due to a lingering neck injury. If he opts to continue attempting to rehab instead, with designs on eventually returning to the field, Washington may be forced to place Thrash on the Physically Unable to Perform list (PUP).
It's a move that could come sooner rather than later. Thrash has, thus far, missed all of Washington's offseason workouts, and head coach Jim Zorn does not anticipate him returning for training camp in July. If that's the case, Zorn said, the Redskins will have to take action.
The Jim Zorn era officially begins on Thursday, when the Redskins face the Giants in the regular-season opener. Despite a shiny, new offense and a retooled roster that includes a less insane punter, Washington has struggled on both sides of the ball during the preseason.
Jason Taylor, who is out with a sprained knee/bone bruise, worked before practice with trainers but did nothing on the practice field. He, too, seems unlikely to play, but Zorn said the team will evaluate him right up through Thursday's warm-ups before making a final call. "Based on today, there's no way, but that's going to be a game-time decision." ...
Told ya. More proof that God has something against Dan Snyder: No. 2 wideout Antwaan Randle El has a broken bone in his left hand. He'll play against the Giants, however, but will have to wear a protective brace. That should hinder his ability to catch the ball.
The JB Awards took place last night in Washington, D.C. as part of the NFL Players Gala which recognizes the NFL athletes who do the most in terms of community service. CBS' James Brown, host of "The NFL Today," led the ceremony along with former Steelers coach Bill Cowher. The festivities benefited the Special Olympics D.C. and many of the players honored even spent the day playing with some local kids at Catholic University.
One member of each team was nominated to be honored and from those players nominated, James Brown personally selected twelve to win a JB Award. In addition to those twelve players, four other athletes were given specific honors.
The biggest name being honored was Dan Marino, former Miami Dolphins star QB and 2005 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Marino received the JB Award for Lifetime Achievement for his dedication to fight against autism.
While Marino was honored for a lifetime achievement award, one of the game's brightest young stars on the rise received a JB Award for Emerging Leadership. Read on to hear my tale of how Purple Jesus almost broke my hand.Sorry, No Photos
Many of the league's most respected players were in Washington, DC, on Friday to be honored at the 2008 NFL Players Gala featuring the JB Awards. Hosted by CBS' James Brown and former Steelers head coach turned CBS analyst Bill Cowher, the event is an annual awards presentation benefiting Special Olympics District of Columbia.
A group of the players being honored at the evening's award show spent the morning at Catholic University playing football with 75 or so local Special Olympic Athletes. Players involved on Friday morning included Marques Douglas, Chris Draft, Warrick Dunn, Braylon Edwards, Israel Idonije, Kassim Osgood, Mack Strong, James Thrash and Brian Waters.
With guys like Chris Henry and Matt Leinert in the news for questionable decisions lately, I think it's important to recognize many of the league's good people. DC was lucky enough to be full of them on Friday.Sorry, No Photos
NFL Offseason Roadmap is a series focused on the needs of NFL teams as they begin the offseason.
The Washington Redskins just completed one of the most emotional seasons in their 75-year history. 2007 will always be remembered. Life, as they say, does go on ... so looking to 2008 is imperative.
1.Head Coach – Duh. Once Joe Gibbs retired, it has thrown up in the air what this team will look like in 2008. Gibbs wanted things one way -- his replacement may want them totally different. If Gregg Williams gets the gig, you'd expect the team to stay on the same track that Gibbs put them on. If they go outside the organization, who knows?
Also, if it is Williams then the Redskins need to find out a new defensive coordinator. Oh, and Al Saunders (if he sticks) won't have Gibbs to deal with when calling the game.
2. Salary Cap -- As we all know, the Redskins mess with the cap as much as any team. That being said, it is rumored that Washington is waaaay over the salary cap and will need to shave off the payroll. That means (a) cutting players and (b) reworking deals. Good thing Daniel Snyder is wealthy and likes to rework the deals. Guys like Clinton Portis, Chris Samuels, Jon Jansen and Marcus Washington may be willing to do this. Guys like Brandon Lloyd and Mark Brunell may be cut. Obviously, where these cuts come from will help determine what holes need to be addressed.
Yesterday, NFL FanHouse ran the weekly Status Check, talking to bloggers from around the InterTubes about a particularly intriguing matchup. I asked Redskins blogger Skin Patrol about what it means to be without Santana Moss, and more importantly, why Brandon Lloyd is the world's worst wide receiver. His answer:
Take your pick on who steps up (for Moss). Obviously Randle El will see a lot of receptions if Santana is missing ... For other targets, don't expect much out of Brandon Lloyd. I'd predict that Reche Caldwell, James Thrash, or Keenan McCardell would finish with more receptions than Lloyd, who is getting Arringtoned as we speak.
I love it when guys get Arrington-ed, although I'd suggest that this is being disrespectful to LaVar, who, unlike Lloyd, doesn't sound like a complete d-bag.
Whatever, it looks like Moss will be a game-time decision, which means there is the very real possibility that Jason Campbell's two starting wideouts will be Antwaan Randle El and ... James Thrash. That's right, Lloyd has fallen so far, so fast, that he's now looking up at Thrash on the depth chart. Adam Archuleta feels your pain, big guy.
Update (June 12): The Redskins decided not to wait any longer to determine Thrash's future -- the team announced today that it has released the veteran wide receiver after he failed to pass a physical. Both owner Dan Snyder and coach Jim Zorn expressed hope that Thrash would retain some sort of non-playing positive within the Washington organization.
The 
NFL Offseason Roadmap is a series focused on the needs of NFL teams as they begin the offseason. 
Yesterday, NFL FanHouse ran the weekly 
