Quarterback John Beck’s strained groin prevented him from fully participating in practice again Tuesday, and his availability for the Washington Redskins’ preseason opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday remains in doubt.
Coach Mike Shanahan has not decided whether Beck will play, but he wants to be cautious with one of the competitors for the starting quarterback job.
“Anytime somebody has got a sore groin and he can’t sprint to his right or sprint to his left full speed, you’ve got to make sure you don’t put him in that situation where he sets himself back a couple weeks,” Shanahan said.
“I don’t think it’s anything that’s really serious, but you never know,” Shanahan continued. “Maybe one or two more days. Maybe he’ll be ready to go [Wednesday].”
Since Beck was injured while scrambling during team drills Saturday, he has participated only in the portions of practice in which he could drop straight back and throw. That included seven-on-seven drills and positional work. He was held out of team drills the past two days.
“I tried to do as much as I could in the beginning of practice to kind of see where this thing is at,” Beck said Tuesday. “We’re still trying to figure that out.
“It’s tough. I’m trying to be as smart as I can. I don’t want to let my competitiveness get in the way and then me make a dumb decision, one that could then cost me longer.”
Beck wasn’t fazed by the fact he is listed behind Rex Grossman on the unofficial depth chart the Redskins released Tuesday morning. Because the depth chart was required as part of a news release ahead of Friday’s game, it’s possible that his injury affected his ranking.
“I know that things will change,” Beck said. “This is just a couple days still into camp. There’s still a lot of camp left. I’m just trying to figure out where [my groin injury] sits, and I want to get out there as quick as I can.”
Sellers slipping?
Speaking of the new unofficial depth chart, it doesn’t paint a pretty picture for converted tight end Mike Sellers. He was listed as the fourth-string tight end and not listed at all among the fullbacks.
So what does it mean for Sellers?
“He’s fourth on the depth chart,” Shanahan deadpanned.
The coaching staff moved Sellers, an 11-year veteran, to tight end for training camp while second-year fullback Darrel Young practices with the first team. Shanahan has said he wants to evaluate Young while creating roster flexibility with Sellers learning another position.
Pressed further about Sellers’ prospects, Shanahan said he has to earn a roster spot like everyone else.
“We’ve got guys that are very close at a lot of positions, and he’s very close, but his ability to play the fullback and play on special teams are all added into the equation,” he said.
Extra points
• Graham Gano and Shayne Graham practiced field goals Tuesday, the latest development in their position battle. Gano made 6 of 7, and Graham made 5 of 7.
Gano, the incumbent, missed wide left from approximately 47 yards but connected from about 55. Graham missed from 43 and 55.
• Receiver Malcolm Kelly (right foot), safety Oshiomogho Atogwe (hamstring), guard Artis Hicks (concussion) and running back Ryan Torain (hand) did not participate in practice. Tight end Chris Cooley (left knee) and receiver Brandon Banks (left knee) were limited.
• Rich Campbell can be reached at rcampbell@washingtontimes.com.
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