LaRon Landry’s practice uniform since training camp began has included a visor instead of a helmet. That was supposed to change Sunday, but it didn’t.
Landry was scheduled to return to practice, his ailing left Achilles tendon sufficiently strengthened, but he remained on the physically-unable-to-perform list because he injured his hamstring while working out last week in Indianapolis, coach Mike Shanahan said.
Shanahan wouldn’t say whether the setback jeopardizes Landry’s availability for the regular-season opener Sept. 11.
“Let’s go day by day,” Shanahan said. “I don’t know how bad the hamstring is. We all know hamstrings sometimes take a day or two, other times a little bit longer. We’ll just have to wait and see.”
Landry declined to comment before practice. Washington’s starting strong safety spent all of training camp rehabilitating his Achilles tendon, which was diagnosed to have microtears in it.
The Redskins did get two other members of their first-string secondary back Sunday. Free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe and cornerback Josh Wilson returned from hamstring injuries and fully participated in practice.
Atogwe strained his hamstring Aug. 6 and missed the team’s first two preseason games. He is new to the team after signing as a free agent in March, so he’s eager to experience a game in the Redskins’ system. He plans to play against Baltimore on Thursday.
“It felt natural to be back out there,” Atogwe said. “I didn’t feel slow. I actually felt pretty fast, quick thinking. It’s just that muscle memory has to come back.”
More injury news
• Return specialist Brandon Banks is receiving platelet-rich plasma treatments in his ailing left knee with hopes of playing in the preseason finale against Tampa Bay, Shanahan said. Banks ignored reporters’ requests for an interview.
• Running back Ryan Torain will continue testing his broken left hand in practice this week by taking handoffs and catching passes. He plans to miss Thursday’s game against Baltimore but play against Tampa Bay.
• Linebacker London Fletcher (hamstring) returned to practice. Tight end Chris Cooley (left knee) watched practice from the sideline. He did not attend practice last week. He is expected to speak to reporters Monday.
Paul adjusts to pro level
Rookie receiver Niles Paul averaged 10 yards on four punt returns against Indianapolis. He was the main returner for Nebraska, and he quickly realized the different challenges at the pro level.
“It’s so much harder to find holes,” he said. “Just the speed of guys, they’re getting down there and you’ve got to make your reads quick. In college, I could go to one side, cut back, cut back again. Here, you’ve got to make your move and you’ve got to be decisive.”
Paul gained two yards on his first return and 20 on his fourth, adapting with each opportunity.
“Obviously, on my first one, I don’t know what the hell happened. They were down there so fast, all I could do was react. But I think I got real comfortable after a while.”
Extra points
• The NFL’s supplemental draft is Monday, and former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor is eligible. The Redskins see him as a project, and finding a roster spot for him might be impossible. “Like all quarterbacks, it’s going to take some time, but he does have a lot of ability,” Shanahan said.
• John Beck turned 30 on Sunday. He was asked if he felt like a more experienced quarterback. “So much more than yesterday,” he joked.
• Rich Campbell can be reached at rcampbell@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.