News

A morning roundup of what the local and national media have to say about the Washington Redskins on Monday, August 19, 2013.

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Who do you look forward to watching in tonight’s preseason matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers? Here’s a preview of what to expect.

The countdown to Week 1 continues, as the Redskins will use tonight and Saturday night to collect intel and make tough roster decisions. But the Redskins are also game-planning for Game 1, watching Oregon film to prepare for the Eagles on Monday Night Football.

General manager Bruce Allen addressed the media on Friday, saying among other things that he was pleased with Robert Griffin III’s progress so far. Does that mean he will be ready for Week 1?

Bruce Allen also discussed the salary cap penalties, saying that the money crunch will not prevent the team from keeping the best 53 men, even if it means creative restructuring.

The team broke camp on Friday and traveled back to Washington, D.C. for the duration of the preseason. Here’s a look back at some of the highlights and lowlights of 2013 training camp. Here’s some of the things we learned.

Here’s an updated look at position battles on the team. There’s running backs (with Chris Thompson expecting to play Monday Night), safety (can the team count on Brandon Meriweather), right tackle (with uncommon continuity on the O-line), and wide receiver.

Tight ends coach Sean McVay has four top weapons at his disposal this year. Hear what he had to say to reporters at the end of training camp.

Is Robert Griffin III’s timetable different from what the team has discussed with the media? A report says yes, but the team says no.

Remember tight end Fred Davis’ “spastic” touchdown celebration in the first preseason game? He won’t soon forget it, as the NFL has reportedly fined him for his enthusiasm.

Defensive coordinator Jim Haslett told the media he was pleased with his unit overall in the first preseason game, but wants to see them improve against the run. Those efforts seemingly took a hit with an injury to Brian Orakpo on the final day of camp, but he says the injury is not serious.

Here are some additional offensive storylines to watch for with tonight’s action, with some defensive storylines as well.

The Redskins offensive coaching staff is reportedly disappointed with the conditioning of second-year offensive guard Josh LeRibeus.

Veteran quarterback Rex Grossman still believes in himself and holds the confidence of his coaching staff to be an asset to the Washington Redskins.

Cornerback Chase Minnifield is a legacy member of the NFL, following in his dad’s footsteps. He may not have been forced to play football, but he was born to.

Quarterback Pat White led the Redskins back in the first preseason game, showing more promise than he did in his first go around in the NFL. Here’s a closer look at his journey back.

How does a grizzled veteran feel about enforcing rules against cheaters? Pretty strongly. Count London Fletcher among players approving of the proposed HGH testing for all NFL players.

Quarterback Robert Griffin III oozes leadership and competitiveness. Even in disagreement, head coach Mike Shanahan has to respect the fire to play and perform at a high level. The Redskins are unconcerned that the competitive spirit could create problems. General manager Bruce Allen reiterated the mutual line that he sees no issue with the conflict at all.

Does injury to Phillip Thomas open the door for Tanard Jackson? Is Brian Orakpo worth franchise pass rush money? These answers and more in one reporter’s mailbag.

Linebacker Keenan Robinson and defensive end Adam Carriker likely are done for the season, while starting defensive end Jarvis Jenkins serves a four-game suspension to start the year. Can the Redskins defense withstand an early-season test of depth?

With Robert Griffin III sidelined, all three backup quarterbacks are scheduled to play on Monday Night.

Cornerback E.J. Biggers signed this offseason at a time when he thought he had a legitimate chance to start. But even with DeAngelo Hall back in the mix, Biggers said he has no qualms with his role on defense.

With most of the roster spots likely locked up, who takes the final spots on the final 53-man roster?

While the first Redskins Richmond training camp was a success, one reporter writes that tweaks could be made to tweak the experience down the road. The team will carry memories of their time in the capital with them going back to Washington, D.C.

With training camp closed, here are a few important dates leading up to the Week 1 matchup against the Eagles.

For any businesses skeptical that the Redskins would bring a draw to local businesses in Richmond, the team delivered.

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What's Trending In @Redskins Nation?

2) PHOTO: We're only 23 days away from kickoff. #Redskins and@Eagles will battle on Monday Night Football. #HTTRhttp://t.co/d54VVLnyEW

3) Allen on QB @RGIII: "He is ahead of schedule. We've had no setbacks (knocks on wood) and the plan is for him to play in Week 1." #HTTR

4)  Shanahan says starters, including QB @KirkCousins8 are expected to play through the first half vs. Pittsburgh. #HTTR

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