Redskins training camp opens

No Donovan McNabb. No Albert Haynesworth. No distractions.

It was all football on Friday morning as the Washington Redskins held their first practice of training camp at team headquarters in Ashburn, Va.

They fielded a team of 64 players — by a reporter’s unofficial count — which is significantly fewer than the 90 they are allowed under new league rules following the lockout. Because many free agents remain unsigned, and those who have signed are prohibited from practicing until Thursday, the players on hand got more repetitions than usual.

That suited some just fine.

“I want all those reps because reps equal experience to me,” said John Beck, who is competing for the starting quarterback job. He and undrafted rookie Ben Chappell were the only quarterbacks that participated.

The play was sloppy at times, exactly what you’d expect on the first day of camp following an offseason without any official team practices. There were multiple false starts during team drills, some errant passes and plenty of colorful language from coaches.

There was a palpable sense of relief among players that McNabb and Haynesworth were not around. Both players who feuded with the coaching staff last season were traded this week, averting a sideshow.

Linebacker Lorenzo Alexander enjoyed answering reporters’ questions about football instead of Haynesworth.

“It’s great,” he said. “Make this the last time you ask me about him.”

The temperature reached the mid-90s during the 2-hour, 20-minute practice. Defensive tackle Anthony Bryant fell out with cramps and an apparent heat-related illness. He left the field on a cart.

Safeties LaRon Landry (Achilles) and Kareem Moore (knee) were limited. Their injuries linger from last season.

Safety Oshiomogho Atogwe made his Redskins debut wearing No. 20. He was eligible to practice because he signed his free-agent contract before the lockout.

First-round pick Ryan Kerrigan practiced with the first-team defense at left-outside linebacker.

The Redskins have an afternoon walkthrough scheduled. Their practice at 8:30 a.m. Saturday is open to the public.

Coach Mike Shanahan is scheduled to meet with reporters at 6 p.m. It’s his first session with the Redskins’ media corps since the draft concluded on April 30.