ASHBURN, Va. -- Some quick notes from Redskins Park on Thursday:
Safety Phillip Thomas returned to practice for the first time since July 31 after dealing with a hamstring injury. Coach Jay Gruden cracked, “I noticed he was on the field” when asked what he saw of Thomas. Gruden also said Thomas appeared to be moving fine during practice.
The Redskins signed tight end Matt Veldman and released defensive end Doug Worthington. Veldman was an undrafted free agent in 2012 who spent time last season on practice squads with Tampa Bay and Detroit.
Redskins safety Brandon Meriweather hurt his toe in practice. Gruden said he had a “little blood” underneath his toenail and was limping around. But he should be OK.
Gruden remains high on rookie receiver Ryan Grant. When asked after practice if he could be counted on to play key snaps this season, Gruden said, “No question. He’s already proven that he’s capable of moving into that role.” Of course, barring injuries that could be tough considering
DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon and Andre Roberts have a firm grip on the first three spots.
Not that this should be needed, but Gruden reiterated his desire to use running back Alfred Morris, calling him “steady Eddie.” “If I throw the ball 10 times in a row in practice and he’s in there, he doesn’t say a word,” Gruden said. “A lot of guys would be ripping their chinstrap off, ‘Give me the ball!’ But Alfred is a total team player and a total class act and he’ll get his touches, no worries about that.”
