August 6-- Bramlett Cut, Heyer Stepping Up

QB Casey Bramlett was released. He was the World Bowl MVP in the final year of NFL Europa but he was 5th on the depth chart and in need of injuries just to get pre-season reps with the Skins.. So the team is down to four quarterbacks on the roster.. I'm guessing the team will go with a kicker to compete with Shaun Suisham in camp, but there has been no word at the time I'm writing this that this will be the case..

G Will Whitacker was carted off the field in the lone afternoon practuce.. He suffered a high ankle sprain, he'll obviously be out for some time..
WR Brandon Lloyd missed practice, he has shin splints and is day to day.
G Jason Fabini was held out of practice with a groin injury, he is day to day..
CB Jeremetrius Butler was running on the side but held out of full contact (hamstring), day to day..
WR Mike Espy (knee) ran on the side and is "getting better," according to trainers. He is said to be close to returning..
TE Tyler Ecker (groin) remains out
FB Mike Sellars suffered a bone bruise in practice and tweaked his knee but did complete practice, day to day..
RB Ladell Betts suffered a jammed neck after getting hit by Marcus Washington during one on one drills, he is undergoing X-rays tonight..
FB Pete Schmidt returned to practice after suffering a bruised shoulder last week, he is expected to do more work tomorrow, he is not a full go yet..
T Chris Samuels is said to be progressing well but remains out of practice..
RB Clinton Portis remains out of practice with tendonitis in his knee, I'm not expecting to see much of him this week..

G Randy Thomas was back at practice today, asked if he was 100% after missing a good portion of last week with knee soreness, he responded "I'll never be 100%." Thomas however says he wants to and expects to play in as much of the pre-season as possible because "Jason needs me and the offensive line needs me."

DT Joe Salave'a is a bit of a surprise to be back at camp and looking string working mainly with the second team unit in practice.. Salave'a was injured for much of last season dealing with calf issues and plantar facitis (I have no idea how to spell it).. Salave'a and Renaldo Wynn went to Las vegas together this off-season to work out knowing both of their careers are in their respective twillights. Salave'a said he had to fight the mental demons that his body might not be able to do this anymore and has dedicated himself to what he calls a "special team."

Undrafted rookie Stephon Heyer out of Maryland was named the likely starter for the Tennessee pre-season game this weekend after Gibbs said he performed well in the scrimmage against Baltimore.. Samuels won't play this weekend and this is Heyer's opportunity to solidify himself as a potential prime back-up at tackle..

The tempo of the practice was a little faster then in recent days with drills moving quickly.. The ammount of full contact remains relatively limited.. Two practices tomorrow..